Meaning
To extract information from someone.
Cultural Background
In traditional Turkish neighborhoods, privacy is a collective concept. Neighbors often try to 'take words' from each other to stay updated on community news. Turkish parents often use indirect methods to monitor their children. 'Ağzından laf almak' is considered a standard parenting tool rather than a deceptive act. In Turkish business, relationships (torpil/network) are key. People often try to 'take words' from secretaries or assistants to find out about internal decisions. Turkish 'Magazin' (celebrity news) culture relies heavily on reporters trying to 'take words' from celebrities at the exit of nightclubs or restaurants.
The 'n' Buffer
Remember the 'n' in 'ağzından'. It's not 'ağzıdan'. This 'n' appears because 'ağzı' is 3rd person possessive.
Don't use with 'Söz'
Even though 'söz' means word, 'ağzından söz almak' sounds very unnatural. Stick to 'laf'.
Meaning
To extract information from someone.
The 'n' Buffer
Remember the 'n' in 'ağzından'. It's not 'ağzıdan'. This 'n' appears because 'ağzı' is 3rd person possessive.
Don't use with 'Söz'
Even though 'söz' means word, 'ağzından söz almak' sounds very unnatural. Stick to 'laf'.
Combine with 'Kurnazca'
To sound like a native, use the adverb 'kurnazca' (cleverly) or 'fark ettirmeden' (without noticing) with this idiom.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the idiom.
O kadar uğraştım ama bir türlü onun ______ laf ______.
The correct form is 'ağzından' (from his/her mouth) and 'alamadım' (I couldn't take).
Which situation best fits the idiom 'ağzından laf almak'?
Hangi durumda bu deyimi kullanırız?
The idiom means to cleverly learn someone's secret or information.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ahmet'in yeni planını öğrendin mi? B: Evet, dün akşam biraz ______.
'Ağzından laf aldım' indicates you successfully learned the plan.
Match the idiom to the correct intention.
Niyet: Birinin ne düşündüğünü anlamak için onu konuşturmaya çalışmak.
While 'laf almak' is the result, 'ağzını aramak' is the intention/attempt to find out what someone thinks.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesO kadar uğraştım ama bir türlü onun ______ laf ______.
The correct form is 'ağzından' (from his/her mouth) and 'alamadım' (I couldn't take).
Hangi durumda bu deyimi kullanırız?
The idiom means to cleverly learn someone's secret or information.
A: Ahmet'in yeni planını öğrendin mi? B: Evet, dün akşam biraz ______.
'Ağzından laf aldım' indicates you successfully learned the plan.
Niyet: Birinin ne düşündüğünü anlamak için onu konuşturmaya çalışmak.
While 'laf almak' is the result, 'ağzını aramak' is the intention/attempt to find out what someone thinks.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's too informal. Use 'bilgi rica etmek' or 'görüşlerini öğrenmek' instead.
Not necessarily. It can be used playfully among friends, though it does imply a bit of sneakiness.
'Laf çalmak' is not a common idiom. 'Laf almak' is the correct version for extracting info.
You can say 'Ağzından tek kelime laf alamadım.'
Because you are usually taking it from a *specific* person's mouth (his/her mouth).
Related Phrases
ağzını aramak
similarTo sound someone out.
ağzından baklayı çıkarmak
builds onTo finally reveal a secret.
laf koparmak
specialized formTo snatch a word.
ağzı gevşek
contrastLoose-lipped.
