Meaning
To be highly respected and have significant authority or sway.
Cultural Background
In the 'Hindi Heartland' (UP/Bihar), this phrase is ubiquitous in political rallies. It's often used to describe 'Bahubalis' (strongmen) or charismatic leaders whose influence is absolute in their constituencies. The industry is known for 'eras' dominated by single stars (Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, The Khans). Media outlets use 'Tuti Bolna' to define these eras of dominance. In Mumbai's business circles, the phrase is used for 'Market Leaders'. It's a sign of respect for a brand that has become a household name. The phrase evokes the imagery of the Mughal 'Darbar'. It reminds Indians of a time when the Emperor's heralds would announce his presence with trumpets, silencing the commoners.
Master the Gender
If you use 'बोलता है' (masculine), native speakers will immediately know you're a learner. Always use 'बोलती है' (feminine) to sound like a pro.
Don't Overuse
This is a 'heavy' idiom. Using it for small things (like who chose the movie) sounds sarcastic or dramatic. Save it for big topics like politics, career, or fame.
Meaning
To be highly respected and have significant authority or sway.
Master the Gender
If you use 'बोलता है' (masculine), native speakers will immediately know you're a learner. Always use 'बोलती है' (feminine) to sound like a pro.
Don't Overuse
This is a 'heavy' idiom. Using it for small things (like who chose the movie) sounds sarcastic or dramatic. Save it for big topics like politics, career, or fame.
The Sarcastic Twist
You can use this sarcastically for someone who *thinks* they are powerful but aren't. 'हाँ भाई, यहाँ तो तुम्हारी ही तूती बोलती है!' (Sure bro, you're the big boss here!)
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
आजकल क्रिकेट की दुनिया में भारत की ______ बोलती है।
The correct word is 'तूती' (Tuti). 'टूटी' means broken, which is a common spelling mistake.
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine agreement for the idiom?
Select the grammatically correct sentence:
'Tuti' is a feminine noun, so the verb must be 'बोलती'.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of 'तूती बोलना'.
Situation: A new tech company has taken 90% of the market share.
This idiom is perfect for describing market dominance.
Complete the dialogue.
अमित: क्या तुम्हें लगता है कि राहुल इस बार चुनाव जीतेगा? सुमित: ज़रूर! इस इलाके में तो ______।
This implies he has the authority and influence to win.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Power Idioms Comparison
Practice Bank
4 exercisesआजकल क्रिकेट की दुनिया में भारत की ______ बोलती है।
The correct word is 'तूती' (Tuti). 'टूटी' means broken, which is a common spelling mistake.
Select the grammatically correct sentence:
'Tuti' is a feminine noun, so the verb must be 'बोलती'.
Situation: A new tech company has taken 90% of the market share.
This idiom is perfect for describing market dominance.
अमित: क्या तुम्हें लगता है कि राहुल इस बार चुनाव जीतेगा? सुमित: ज़रूर! इस इलाके में तो ______।
This implies he has the authority and influence to win.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it refers to the Rose-ringed Parakeet (Tota/Tuti) in Persian literature, known for its beautiful voice. In the idiom, it represents a voice that everyone listens to.
Yes! The phrase remains 'उसकी तूती बोलती है' for both men and women. The 'बोलती' agrees with 'Tuti', not the person.
'Tuti Bolna' is better for fame and reputation. 'Sikka Chalna' is better for power that is 'accepted' or 'official'.
Extremely. It's used in dialogues to show a character's dominance in the underworld or the city.
Yes, if you are feeling very confident or boastful about your influence in a certain place!
Not inherently. It just means 'powerful'. Whether that power is good or bad depends on the context.
The idiom is usually used in the singular. You wouldn't say 'Tutiyaan bolti hain'. Even for a group, you say 'उनकी (their) तूती बोलती है'.
Yes, it is very common in Hindi editorials and political analysis.
The correct spelling is तूती (with a 'ta' and 'u' matra). Avoid टूटी (with a 'ta' as in 'tomato').
Absolutely. 'स्मार्टफ़ोन के बाज़ार में एप्पल की तूती बोलती है।' (Apple rules the smartphone market.)
Related Phrases
सिक्का चलना
synonymTo have one's influence accepted like valid currency.
धाक जमना
similarTo establish a commanding presence or awe.
बोलबाला होना
similarTo have a strong presence or say.
बोलती बंद होना
contrastTo be rendered speechless (usually out of fear or shock).
