Meaning
Being shocked or startled
Cultural Background
In local markets (Bazaars), using this phrase while bargaining can show the seller that you find their price ridiculous, often helping in negotiations. The phrase is equally popular in Kolkata and is often used in daily soap operas (Serials) to depict dramatic family revelations. Famous authors like Humayun Ahmed frequently used this idiom to describe the reactions of ordinary people to extraordinary events. On Facebook or YouTube comments, you will often see the '😲' emoji followed by 'চোখ কপালে' to react to viral news.
Use with 'Chokh'
Always include 'চোখ' (eye) to sound 100% natural. Just saying 'কপালে উঠল' is grammatically okay but less common.
Not for Sadness
Don't use this for tragic news like a death. It's for 'shocking' news, not 'mournful' news.
Meaning
Being shocked or startled
Use with 'Chokh'
Always include 'চোখ' (eye) to sound 100% natural. Just saying 'কপালে উঠল' is grammatically okay but less common.
Not for Sadness
Don't use this for tragic news like a death. It's for 'shocking' news, not 'mournful' news.
Bargaining Tool
In Bangladesh, this is a great phrase to use when a rickshaw puller asks for too much money!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
জিনিসপত্রের অতিরিক্ত দাম দেখে ক্রেতাদের চোখ _______।
The standard idiom for shock is 'চোখ কপালে ওঠা'.
Which situation best fits the use of 'চোখ কপালে ওঠা'?
When would you use this phrase?
The idiom is used for shock, especially regarding high prices.
Complete the dialogue.
রহিম: জানো, কালকে লটারিতে আমি এক লাখ টাকা জিতেছি! করিম: কী বলো! শুনে তো আমার _______!
Winning a lottery is a shocking event that fits this idiom.
Match the reaction to the event.
Event: A student who never studies suddenly gets the highest marks.
An unexpected success causes shock/disbelief.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesজিনিসপত্রের অতিরিক্ত দাম দেখে ক্রেতাদের চোখ _______।
The standard idiom for shock is 'চোখ কপালে ওঠা'.
When would you use this phrase?
The idiom is used for shock, especially regarding high prices.
রহিম: জানো, কালকে লটারিতে আমি এক লাখ টাকা জিতেছি! করিম: কী বলো! শুনে তো আমার _______!
Winning a lottery is a shocking event that fits this idiom.
Event: A student who never studies suddenly gets the highest marks.
An unexpected success causes shock/disbelief.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsBoth are correct, but 'চোখ কপালে ওঠা' is much more common in daily speech.
Yes, but it usually implies a surprise so big it's almost hard to believe, like winning a lottery.
No, it's not rude, but it is informal. Use it with friends, family, and in casual settings.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'স্বাভাবিক থাকা' (staying normal/unfazed) would be the conceptual opposite.
You would say 'তোমার চোখ কপালে উঠল' (Your eyes rose to your forehead). The verb stays 'উঠল' because 'চোখ' is the subject.
Related Phrases
আক্কেল গুড়ুম
synonymTo be at one's wit's end from shock.
তাজ্জব হওয়া
similarTo be amazed or astonished.
থ বনে যাওয়া
similarTo be petrified or frozen with surprise.
মাথা ঘুরে যাওয়া
builds onTo feel dizzy from shock.
