Meaning
To trouble or evade someone.
Cultural Background
In rural areas, leading cattle to water is a daily chore. An animal that 'shows water' to its owner by running around the pond is a source of both frustration and amusement. The idiom is a favorite in 'mass' movies where the hero outsmarts a large group of villains or a corrupt system. Ancient Sangam poetry often uses metaphors of the hunt to describe social and romantic interactions, which is the likely ancestor of this idiom. Used to describe 'scope creep' or clients who keep changing requirements without finalizing a project.
Use 'Thanni' for natural flow
In 99% of conversations, use 'Thanni' instead of 'Thanneer' to sound like a native speaker.
Don't use with 'with'
In English we say 'gave me the run-around WITH something'. In Tamil, just use the dative '-ku' for the person.
Meaning
To trouble or evade someone.
Use 'Thanni' for natural flow
In 99% of conversations, use 'Thanni' instead of 'Thanneer' to sound like a native speaker.
Don't use with 'with'
In English we say 'gave me the run-around WITH something'. In Tamil, just use the dative '-ku' for the person.
Cinema references
If you use this phrase while watching a movie chase scene, Tamils will be very impressed with your fluency!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
அந்தத் திருடன் போலீசுக்குத் ________ காட்டினான்.
The idiom is 'தண்ணீர் காட்டு' (to show water).
What does this sentence mean? 'இந்தக் கணக்கு எனக்குத் தண்ணீர் காட்டுகிறது.'
இந்தக் கணக்கு எனக்குத் தண்ணீர் காட்டுகிறது.
Figuratively, it means the task is making the person struggle.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ஏன் இவ்வளவு தாமதம்? B: அரசு அலுவலகத்தில் ஒரு கையெழுத்து வாங்க எனக்குத் ________.
The idiom 'thanneer kaattuvathu' fits the context of bureaucratic delay.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesஅந்தத் திருடன் போலீசுக்குத் ________ காட்டினான்.
The idiom is 'தண்ணீர் காட்டு' (to show water).
இந்தக் கணக்கு எனக்குத் தண்ணீர் காட்டுகிறது.
Figuratively, it means the task is making the person struggle.
A: ஏன் இவ்வளவு தாமதம்? B: அரசு அலுவலகத்தில் ஒரு கையெழுத்து வாங்க எனக்குத் ________.
The idiom 'thanneer kaattuvathu' fits the context of bureaucratic delay.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNot necessarily rude, but it expresses frustration. It's safe to use with friends and in casual settings.
Yes! If your car won't start, you can say 'இந்தக் கார் எனக்குத் தண்ணீர் காட்டுகிறது'.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'நேரடியாகச் சொல்லு' (speak directly) or 'உதவி செய்' (help) are contextual opposites.
Yes, though they might use 'ஆட்டம் காட்டுவது' or 'வேலை காட்டுவது' more frequently in some regions.
Only if you are describing a past struggle in a lighthearted way. Don't use it to describe the current interviewer!
Related Phrases
ஆட்டம் காட்டுவது
similarTo make someone dance to your tunes / To trouble them.
அலைக்கழிப்பது
synonymTo harass or make someone wander aimlessly.
ஏமாற்றுவது
builds onTo deceive.
கண்ணைக்கட்டுவது
similarTo confuse or blindfold someone figuratively.
