Significado
To do one's absolute worst to someone.
Contexto cultural
This phrase is a 'power line' in Turkish dramas. It usually marks the moment the protagonist stops being a victim. It is often delivered with a long, intense stare. While Turkish culture is generally hierarchical and polite, personal honor is very important. Using this phrase in a workplace indicates a total breakdown of professional relations. The phrase reflects the 'delikanlı' (brave/honest youth) subculture in Turkey, where showing fear is considered a weakness. Turkish often uses double negatives or negative verbs to express strong positive intent or intensity. Here, 'not putting behind' is a strong way to say 'bringing everything forward'.
Don't use it for 'Best Effort'
This is the #1 mistake. Remember: 'Arka' (Back) = 'Bad/Worst'. No 'Arka' = 'Good/Best'.
Use 'Ardına' for Drama
If you want to sound like a character in a historical drama or a very serious person, use 'ardına' instead of 'arkasına'.
Significado
To do one's absolute worst to someone.
Don't use it for 'Best Effort'
This is the #1 mistake. Remember: 'Arka' (Back) = 'Bad/Worst'. No 'Arka' = 'Good/Best'.
Use 'Ardına' for Drama
If you want to sound like a character in a historical drama or a very serious person, use 'ardına' instead of 'arkasına'.
Body Language
When saying this as a challenge, Turks often stand very straight and look directly into the other person's eyes. It's a moment of 'meydan okuma'.
Teste-se
Choose the correct idiom to complete the sentence: 'Beni kovdurmakla tehdit ediyor ama korkmuyorum, ________!'
Which phrase fits the blank?
The context is a threat ('tehdit') and defiance ('korkmuyorum'), so the negative idiom 'elinden geleni arkasına koymamak' is the correct choice.
Fill in the blanks with the correct possessive suffixes: 'Eğer bana zarar vermek istiyorsan, elin____ geleni arkas____ koyma!'
Elin____ geleni arkas____ koyma!
The subject is 'you' (sen), so it should be 'elinden' and 'arkana'. Wait, the standard form is 'arkasına' but when addressing 'you', it becomes 'arkana'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
In which situation would you say 'Elinden geleni arkasına koymadı'?
This idiom is used for malicious actions, not helpful or hardworking ones.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Seni polise şikayet edeceğim!' Fatma: '__________'
Fatma is responding to a threat with defiance.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Positive vs. Negative 'Elinden Geleni'
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosWhich phrase fits the blank?
The context is a threat ('tehdit') and defiance ('korkmuyorum'), so the negative idiom 'elinden geleni arkasına koymamak' is the correct choice.
Elin____ geleni arkas____ koyma!
The subject is 'you' (sen), so it should be 'elinden' and 'arkana'. Wait, the standard form is 'arkasına' but when addressing 'you', it becomes 'arkana'.
In which situation would you say 'Elinden geleni arkasına koymadı'?
This idiom is used for malicious actions, not helpful or hardworking ones.
Ayşe: 'Seni polise şikayet edeceğim!' Fatma: '__________'
Fatma is responding to a threat with defiance.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is aggressive and confrontational, but not 'vulgar'. It's a strong way to stand your ground.
No. Using it positively is a grammatical and social error in Turkish.
It represents the 'reserve' or 'mercy' one might have. Not putting it behind means using every resource immediately to harm.
You won't hear it every day, but you'll hear it whenever there is a serious argument or threat.
Yes, this means 'I will do my absolute worst to you.' It's a very serious threat.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Ardına' is just slightly more old-fashioned or poetic.
Usually, the argument escalates or you walk away. There is no 'polite' reply to a challenge like this.
Only in very hostile business situations, like a bitter lawsuit or a hostile takeover.
No, it's a secular folk idiom based on physical metaphors of combat.
No, never. Use 'Elimden geleni yapacağım' for yourself in a good way.
Frases relacionadas
elinden geleni yapmak
contrastTo do one's best (positive).
canına okumak
builds onTo ruin someone / To give someone a very hard time.
meydan okumak
similarTo challenge someone openly.
gününü göstermek
similarTo teach someone a lesson / To get revenge.
