Signification
Being very firm or stubborn about something.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is often used by parents to describe 'Adamant' behavior in children, which is a common topic of conversation in social gatherings. The posture of standing on one leg (Ekapada) is a symbol of extreme spiritual power and focus, showing how language can turn a sacred act into a common metaphor. Comedians often use this phrase literally for comedic effect, where a character might actually stand on one leg to show how 'stubborn' they are. In local markets, sellers might use this phrase to tell a buyer that their offer is final and they won't negotiate further.
Use for emphasis
Use this instead of 'stubborn' when you want to sound more like a native speaker and add drama to your story.
Don't use with elders
It can sound slightly disrespectful if you use it to describe your grandfather or a high-ranking official, as it implies they are being childishly stubborn.
Signification
Being very firm or stubborn about something.
Use for emphasis
Use this instead of 'stubborn' when you want to sound more like a native speaker and add drama to your story.
Don't use with elders
It can sound slightly disrespectful if you use it to describe your grandfather or a high-ranking official, as it implies they are being childishly stubborn.
The 'Ottha' shortcut
If you want to sound very local (Chennai style), say 'Ottha kaalla' instead of 'Otrai kaalil'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
குழந்தை பொம்மை வேண்டும் என்று __________ நிற்கிறது.
The idiom is 'ஒற்றைக்காலில் நிற்றல்' (standing on one leg).
What does this phrase mean in this context?
அவன் புது கார் வாங்க வேண்டும் என்று ஒற்றைக்காலில் நிற்கிறான்.
In this context, it refers to his persistent demand.
Complete the dialogue.
அம்மா: ஏன் தம்பி அழுதுகொண்டிருக்கிறான்? அக்கா: அவன் சாக்லேட் வேண்டும் என்று __________.
The context of a child crying for chocolate fits the idiom for stubbornness.
Match the situation to the phrase.
A person refuses to lower the price of a house despite many requests.
Refusing to budge on price is a classic example of this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesகுழந்தை பொம்மை வேண்டும் என்று __________ நிற்கிறது.
The idiom is 'ஒற்றைக்காலில் நிற்றல்' (standing on one leg).
அவன் புது கார் வாங்க வேண்டும் என்று ஒற்றைக்காலில் நிற்கிறான்.
In this context, it refers to his persistent demand.
அம்மா: ஏன் தம்பி அழுதுகொண்டிருக்கிறான்? அக்கா: அவன் சாக்லேட் வேண்டும் என்று __________.
The context of a child crying for chocolate fits the idiom for stubbornness.
A person refuses to lower the price of a house despite many requests.
Refusing to budge on price is a classic example of this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's not profanity, but it is informal. It's like calling someone 'stubborn'—fine for friends and family, but maybe not for your boss.
Yes! You can say 'I'm standing on one leg about this' to show you won't change your mind.
No, it can be about an idea, a price, a deadline, or a decision.
ஒற்றைக்காலில் நின்றான் (He stood) or நின்றாள் (She stood).
Yes, it is understood and used across most Tamil-speaking regions.
Because standing on one leg requires effort and focus, symbolizing how much energy the person is putting into being stubborn.
Rarely. It usually has a connotation of being difficult, though it can occasionally mean 'admirable resolve' in very specific contexts.
Yes: அவர்கள் ஒற்றைக்காலில் நிற்கிறார்கள் (They are standing on one leg).
Yes, if your dog refuses to move until you give it a treat, you could jokingly use it.
ஒற்றைக்காலில் நிற்காதே! (Otrai kaalil nirkaadhe!)
Expressions liées
பிடிவாதம் பிடித்தல்
synonymTo be stubborn
உறுதியாக இருத்தல்
similarTo be firm
வளைந்து கொடுத்தல்
contrastTo be flexible/to compromise
அடம் பிடித்தல்
synonymTo throw a tantrum/be adamant
