Significado
To suffer from one's own words or actions
Contexto cultural
The idiom is often used in the context of 'poniria' (cunning). Greeks value being clever, but they also enjoy seeing someone who is 'too clever for their own good' fail. In Cypriot Greek, the idiom is used similarly, but the accent and some verb forms might differ (e.g., 'πιάστηκεν'). The cultural emphasis on honesty in small communities makes this idiom particularly biting. Second-generation Greeks often use a literal translation like 'I got caught in my neck,' which sounds strange in English but perfectly conveys the Greek sentiment to other Greek-speakers. The concept of 'Hubris' and 'Nemesis' is the philosophical ancestor of this idiom. To think you can outsmart fate or others is hubris; being caught in your own trap is the nemesis.
Master the Pronouns
Always double-check that your possessive pronoun (μου, σου, του...) matches the person you are talking about. This is the mark of a B2+ speaker.
Not for Sore Throats
If you have a cold, say 'Πονάει ο λαιμός μου.' If you use this idiom, people will think you are admitting to a lie!
Significado
To suffer from one's own words or actions
Master the Pronouns
Always double-check that your possessive pronoun (μου, σου, του...) matches the person you are talking about. This is the mark of a B2+ speaker.
Not for Sore Throats
If you have a cold, say 'Πονάει ο λαιμός μου.' If you use this idiom, people will think you are admitting to a lie!
Use with Irony
This idiom is best delivered with a slight smirk or a tone of 'I told you so.' It's about the irony of the situation.
Teste-se
Fill in the correct form of the verb and the possessive pronoun.
Εγώ είπα ψέματα και τώρα ________ στο λαιμό ________.
The subject is 'Εγώ', so the verb must be 'πιάνομαι' and the pronoun 'μου'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Which one is correct?
Option B correctly identifies the ironic backfiring of a claim of honesty.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
Α: Είπες στον διευθυντή ότι ξέρεις γαλλικά, αλλά δεν ξέρεις ούτε λέξη! Β: Το ξέρω, ________.
The speaker (B) is talking about themselves, so 'πιάστηκα στο λαιμό μου' is correct.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the idiom.
Situation: A politician promises no new taxes, then introduces three new taxes the next day.
While all are somewhat applicable, 'πιάστηκε στο λαιμό του' best describes the contradiction between his words and actions.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosΕγώ είπα ψέματα και τώρα ________ στο λαιμό ________.
The subject is 'Εγώ', so the verb must be 'πιάνομαι' and the pronoun 'μου'.
Which one is correct?
Option B correctly identifies the ironic backfiring of a claim of honesty.
Α: Είπες στον διευθυντή ότι ξέρεις γαλλικά, αλλά δεν ξέρεις ούτε λέξη! Β: Το ξέρω, ________.
The speaker (B) is talking about themselves, so 'πιάστηκα στο λαιμό μου' is correct.
Situation: A politician promises no new taxes, then introduces three new taxes the next day.
While all are somewhat applicable, 'πιάστηκε στο λαιμό του' best describes the contradiction between his words and actions.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt's a bit too informal for a standard business email. Use 'αυτοπαγιδεύομαι' or 'αντιφάσκω' (to contradict oneself) instead.
Not offensive, but it is critical. It implies the person was being dishonest or foolish.
'Στα πράσα' means being caught in the act. 'Στο λαιμό μου' means being caught by your own previous words or plans.
Yes, for this specific idiom, 'πιάνομαι' must be in the passive voice.
No, it sounds incomplete. You need 'μου', 'σου', etc., to specify whose 'trap' it is.
Yes: 'πιαστήκαμε στο λαιμό μας', 'πιαστήκατε στο λαιμό σας', 'πιάστηκαν στο λαιμό τους'.
Yes, it is widely understood and used across the Greek-speaking world.
Yes, if the mistake was part of a 'clever' plan that backfired.
The Aorist (Past Simple): 'πιάστηκε'.
Yes, 'περιπίπτω σε αντιφάσεις' (to fall into contradictions).
Frases relacionadas
πιάνομαι στα πράσα
similarTo be caught red-handed.
πέφτω στην παγίδα μου
synonymTo fall into my own trap.
σκάβω το λάκκο μου
builds onTo dig one's own grave.
δαγκώνω τη γλώσσα μου
contrastTo bite one's tongue.
