Meaning
Doing something behind the scenes.
Cultural Background
In many Turkish businesses, the 'official' hierarchy is often bypassed by 'el altından' relationships. Knowing the right person can be more important than the official process. The phrase evokes the image of the 'Kapalıçarşı' where deals were made away from the eyes of the Sultan's tax collectors. On Turkish Twitter (X), 'el altından' is frequently used to call out perceived corruption or secret political alliances. Classic Turkish movies often feature a 'villain' who manages everything 'el altından' to ruin the hero's life.
Use with 'İş Çevirmek'
The most common pairing is 'el altından iş çevirmek' (to pull strings secretly).
Negative Connotation
Be careful; using this can sound like you are accusing someone of being dishonest.
Meaning
Doing something behind the scenes.
Use with 'İş Çevirmek'
The most common pairing is 'el altından iş çevirmek' (to pull strings secretly).
Negative Connotation
Be careful; using this can sound like you are accusing someone of being dishonest.
The 'N' is Key
Always remember the 'n' at the end. 'El altında' (no 'n') just means 'nearby'.
Torpil Culture
In Turkey, this phrase is the 'language of torpil'. Use it to discuss social networking.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Patron, yeni müdürü kimseye söylemeden ______ seçmiş.
'El altından' is the correct adverbial form for 'secretly'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct usage:
The idiom describes the secret transfer of information.
Match the situation to the phrase.
A journalist receives a secret document from a government source.
Leaking documents is a classic 'el altından' activity.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Bu biletleri nasıl buldun? B: Bir arkadaşım ______ ayarladı.
Arranging something through secret connections is 'el altından'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
El Altından vs. El Altında
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPatron, yeni müdürü kimseye söylemeden ______ seçmiş.
'El altından' is the correct adverbial form for 'secretly'.
Choose the correct usage:
The idiom describes the secret transfer of information.
A journalist receives a secret document from a government source.
Leaking documents is a classic 'el altından' activity.
A: Bu biletleri nasıl buldun? B: Bir arkadaşım ______ ayarladı.
Arranging something through secret connections is 'el altından'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it can be used for harmless things like surprise parties, though it often implies something unofficial.
'Gizlice' is a general word for 'secretly'. 'El altından' specifically implies a transaction or a social maneuver.
Usually, it's used for actions involving others (giving, selling, arranging). For personal secrets, use 'içimde tutuyorum'.
It's better for casual office talk. In a board meeting, use 'kayıt dışı' or 'şeffaf olmayan'.
No, it is a fixed adverbial phrase.
'El altından' is the most accurate idiomatic translation.
Not really. You don't 'el altından' love someone. You might 'gizliden gizliye' love them.
'Açıktan' or 'herkesin gözü önünde'.
Extremely! Especially in dramas involving crime, business, or family secrets.
Yes, it evokes the physical act of hiding something in your palm while passing it.
Related Phrases
saman altından su yürütmek
similarTo do sneaky things while appearing innocent.
gizli saklı
synonymSecretly, in a hidden way.
arka kapıdan
similarThrough the back door.
el üstünde tutmak
contrastTo treat someone with great respect.
kapalı kapılar ardında
similarBehind closed doors.
