Meaning
Suddenly starting to run away.
Cultural Background
The 'Oattam pidi' trope is a staple of Tamil comedy. Comedians like Vadivelu and Santhanam have iconic scenes where they bolt from a fight, often accompanied by funny sound effects. In rural Tamil Nadu, this phrase is often used when cattle or goats break loose and run away suddenly. There's a cultural notion that if you see certain 'bad omens' while starting a journey, you might 'catch a run' back home to avoid bad luck. In the modern Tamil tech scene, 'Oattam pidi' is sometimes used jokingly when a founder or employee leaves a failing project suddenly.
Use with '-vittu'
Add '-vittu' (ஓட்டம் பிடித்துவிட்டான்) to sound more like a native speaker when describing a completed action.
Not for Jogging
Never use this for your morning exercise. It sounds like you are fleeing a crime!
Meaning
Suddenly starting to run away.
Use with '-vittu'
Add '-vittu' (ஓட்டம் பிடித்துவிட்டான்) to sound more like a native speaker when describing a completed action.
Not for Jogging
Never use this for your morning exercise. It sounds like you are fleeing a crime!
Comedy Context
If you use this when a friend leaves a party early, it will likely get a laugh.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'ஓட்டம் பிடி'.
பூனையைக் கண்டதும் எலி ___________.
Since 'எலி' (rat) is neuter singular, the verb must end in '-athu'.
Match the situation to the most likely reaction.
You are playing a prank and hear your neighbor coming.
Bolting is the natural reaction to avoid getting caught in a prank.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose the correct usage:
The phrase is for fleeing, not for daily exercise or describing a physical race.
Complete the dialogue.
அம்மா: 'தம்பி எங்கே?' அக்கா: 'வேலை இருக்குன்னு சொன்னதும் அவன் ___________.'
The context of avoiding work makes 'bolting' the most appropriate answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesபூனையைக் கண்டதும் எலி ___________.
Since 'எலி' (rat) is neuter singular, the verb must end in '-athu'.
You are playing a prank and hear your neighbor coming.
Bolting is the natural reaction to avoid getting caught in a prank.
Choose the correct usage:
The phrase is for fleeing, not for daily exercise or describing a physical race.
அம்மா: 'தம்பி எங்கே?' அக்கா: 'வேலை இருக்குன்னு சொன்னதும் அவன் ___________.'
The context of avoiding work makes 'bolting' the most appropriate answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it's very common for animals like cats, dogs, or even elephants bolting.
No, it's just informal. It's fine to use with friends and family.
The past tense is 'ஓட்டம் பிடித்தேன்' (I ran away).
Only if you are joking. In a serious context, use 'விலகுதல்' (withdrawing).
Mostly, but it specifically emphasizes the physical act of running.
Yes, 'தப்பி ஓடுதல்' (Thappi oduthal) is more formal.
Yes, it means 'I'm going to bolt/leave now' (usually jokingly).
It's a linguistic quirk where 'catching' an action means starting it suddenly.
Yes, though they might also use 'ஓட்டம் எடுத்தல்'.
No, for a car you would say 'வேகமாகச் சென்றது'.
Related Phrases
ஓடிப் போ
similarTo run away / To elope
தப்பிச் செல்
synonymTo escape
தெறித்து ஓடு
specialized formTo scatter/bolt at high speed
நழுவு
similarTo slip away
காணாமல் போ
similarTo go missing
