Meaning
A person who is a thief.
Cultural Background
In Uzbek culture, calling someone 'qo'li egri' is a serious matter that can lead to social shunning. It is often discussed in the 'mahalla' (local community) to protect neighbors. Market sellers often use coded language or idioms like this to warn each other about suspicious individuals without alerting the suspect. The concept of 'Halol' (permissible) earnings is central. A 'crooked hand' is seen as taking 'Harom' (forbidden) wealth, which is a major sin. Reputation (obro') is collective. If one family member is 'qo'li egri,' it reflects poorly on the entire family tree.
Use 'biroz' to soften it
Saying 'qo'li biroz egri' (his hand is a bit crooked) makes the accusation sound slightly less aggressive while still conveying the warning.
Don't use for physical injury
If someone's hand is physically bent from an accident, use 'shikastlangan' (injured) instead to avoid calling them a thief by mistake.
Meaning
A person who is a thief.
Use 'biroz' to soften it
Saying 'qo'li biroz egri' (his hand is a bit crooked) makes the accusation sound slightly less aggressive while still conveying the warning.
Don't use for physical injury
If someone's hand is physically bent from an accident, use 'shikastlangan' (injured) instead to avoid calling them a thief by mistake.
The Mahalla Factor
In Uzbekistan, this phrase is often used as a form of social control to maintain honesty within a neighborhood.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Uning ______ egri, shuning uchun hamma narsasini berkitib qo'yadi.
The sentence refers to 'him' (uning), so the 3rd person possessive 'qo'li' is required.
What does 'Qo'li egri' mean in this context?
Ehtiyot bo'l, u bolaning qo'li egri.
In this context, it is a warning about the boy's character.
Match the Uzbek phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are three common 'hand' idioms in Uzbek.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Nega uni ishga olmadingiz? B: Chunki uning _________.
The context implies a negative reason for not hiring someone.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesUning ______ egri, shuning uchun hamma narsasini berkitib qo'yadi.
The sentence refers to 'him' (uning), so the 3rd person possessive 'qo'li' is required.
Ehtiyot bo'l, u bolaning qo'li egri.
In this context, it is a warning about the boy's character.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are three common 'hand' idioms in Uzbek.
A: Nega uni ishga olmadingiz? B: Chunki uning _________.
The context implies a negative reason for not hiring someone.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is not a 'swear word,' but it is a very serious accusation. Use it carefully.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. 'Uning qo'li egri' can mean 'His hand is crooked' or 'Her hand is crooked.'
The most common opposite is 'qo'li to'g'ri' (honest) or 'halol odam' (honest person).
Yes, often used for children who take things without asking, though it's a bit harsh.
No, it can mean stealing anything—phones, food, or even ideas in a workplace.
Yes, it is very common in Uzbek literature to describe villainous characters.
You would say: 'Mening qo'lim egri emas.'
Yes, they are interchangeable synonyms in the context of stealing.
Only if you are speaking informally with a trusted partner. In a formal meeting, use 'ishonchsiz' (untrustworthy).
In idioms, yes. 'Egri yo'l' (crooked path) means a life of crime or sin.
Related Phrases
Qo'li uzun
synonymLong-handed; also means a thief.
Qo'li ochiq
contrastOpen-handed; generous.
Qo'li to'g'ri
contrastStraight-handed; honest.
Burni egri
similarCrooked nose.
