Significado
Everyone should return to their proper place or duty.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects a traditional view of work as a 'station' or 'bench' (pangos), emphasizing the artisanal roots of Greek society before the industrial revolution. Teachers in Greece have used this phrase for generations to instill discipline. It is part of the collective childhood memory of almost every Greek person. Even in high-tech startups in Marousi, you will hear this phrase. It bridges the gap between old traditions and modern corporate life. Greek politicians use this to sound 'of the people.' It suggests they are hardworking 'craftsmen' returning to the 'bench' of parliament.
Use it on Mondays
If you want to sound like a native, say this to your Greek colleagues on Monday morning. It's the ultimate icebreaker.
Don't over-formalize
Don't try to change the gender or number. Keep it as 'κάθε κατεργάρης' even if you're talking to a group of women.
Significado
Everyone should return to their proper place or duty.
Use it on Mondays
If you want to sound like a native, say this to your Greek colleagues on Monday morning. It's the ultimate icebreaker.
Don't over-formalize
Don't try to change the gender or number. Keep it as 'κάθε κατεργάρης' even if you're talking to a group of women.
The 'Kalo Xeimona' connection
This phrase is the unofficial slogan of 'Kalo Xeimona' (Have a good winter), the greeting used after August 15th.
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Κάθε ________ στον ________ του.
The fixed form of the proverb uses 'κατεργάρης' (rascal) and 'πάγκος' (bench).
In which situation is this phrase most appropriate?
The summer holidays have ended, and it's the first day of school.
This phrase is the standard way to mark the return to routine after a holiday.
Choose the best response for Maria.
Γιάννης: 'Δεν θέλω να δουλέψω άλλο σήμερα, ας πάμε για καφέ.' Μαρία: 'Δεν γίνεται, Γιάννη. Ο διευθυντής έρχεται σε λίγο, οπότε...'
Maria is warning Giannis that they need to return to their stations because the boss is coming.
Which word in the phrase historically refers to a galley slave?
Ποια λέξη αναφέρεται ιστορικά στον δούλο της γαλέρας;
The word 'κατεργάρης' comes from 'κάτεργα' (galleys).
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Work vs. Fun in Greek Idioms
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosΚάθε ________ στον ________ του.
The fixed form of the proverb uses 'κατεργάρης' (rascal) and 'πάγκος' (bench).
The summer holidays have ended, and it's the first day of school.
This phrase is the standard way to mark the return to routine after a holiday.
Γιάννης: 'Δεν θέλω να δουλέψω άλλο σήμερα, ας πάμε για καφέ.' Μαρία: 'Δεν γίνεται, Γιάννη. Ο διευθυντής έρχεται σε λίγο, οπότε...'
Maria is warning Giannis that they need to return to their stations because the boss is coming.
Ποια λέξη αναφέρεται ιστορικά στον δούλο της γαλέρας;
The word 'κατεργάρης' comes from 'κάτεργα' (galleys).
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIn this proverb, no. It's used playfully to mean 'someone who was having fun but now must work.'
Yes, it's very common for students returning to their desks.
It's a workbench, like those used by carpenters or in a kitchen.
No, the proverb is almost always used in the singular 'κάθε κατεργάρης'.
Yes, unless you have a very close, joking relationship. It's better if the boss says it to the team.
Not exactly. It's more about 'get back to work' than 'don't interfere.'
It dates back at least a few centuries, rooted in the Ottoman-era workshop culture.
Only in an informal email to a colleague you know well.
The proverb applies to everyone! It's a general term for all of us when we're on a break.
Yes, 'κεφάλια μέσα' (heads inside) is the more modern, slightly more aggressive slang version.
Frases relacionadas
το κεφάλι μέσα
similarHead inside; focus on work.
έκαστος εφ' ω ετάχθη
synonymEach to the task he was assigned.
πίσω στις επάλξεις
similarBack to the battlements.
δουλειά με το κεφάλι κάτω
builds onWorking with the head down.
