Significado
Being certain of success.
Contexto cultural
In Greek coffee shops (kafeneia), men often use this phrase while playing Tavli (backgammon). It's part of the friendly 'trash talk' that accompanies the game. The phrase is equally common in Cyprus, though the accent and some surrounding words might change. The core idiom remains a staple of Cypriot Greek. In communities in the US or Australia, you might hear 'Gringlish' versions, but the original idiom is often preserved as a way to maintain cultural connection to Greek confidence. In the Greek startup scene, this phrase is used to describe 'closing' a deal, reflecting a shift from traditional bureaucracy to more dynamic, results-oriented language.
Use the contraction
Native speakers almost always say 'Το 'χω' instead of 'Το έχω' in casual conversation. It sounds much more natural.
Don't overdo it
Using this phrase too much can make you sound arrogant. Use it when you genuinely feel confident, not as a constant boast.
Significado
Being certain of success.
Use the contraction
Native speakers almost always say 'Το 'χω' instead of 'Το έχω' in casual conversation. It sounds much more natural.
Don't overdo it
Using this phrase too much can make you sound arrogant. Use it when you genuinely feel confident, not as a constant boast.
The 'Mati' factor
If you say this to an older Greek person, they might say 'Φτου φτου' to protect you from bad luck. Don't be offended!
Teste-se
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'έχω' and the pronoun 'το'.
Είμαστε σίγουροι για τη νίκη. ______ στο χέρι!
The subject is 'Είμαστε' (we), so the verb must be 'έχουμε' (we have).
Which phrase means 'It's in the bag'?
Πώς λέμε 'I have it in the bag' στα ελληνικά;
The idiom specifically uses 'χέρι' (hand).
Match the situation to the correct response.
Situation: You just finished a great job interview and feel you will get the job.
This idiom expresses the certainty of the result (getting the job).
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Θα κερδίσει η ομάδα μας σήμερα; Β: Ναι, ___________!
The idiom 'το έχουμε στο χέρι' is the natural way to express certainty of winning.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Hand vs. Pocket
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosΕίμαστε σίγουροι για τη νίκη. ______ στο χέρι!
The subject is 'Είμαστε' (we), so the verb must be 'έχουμε' (we have).
Πώς λέμε 'I have it in the bag' στα ελληνικά;
The idiom specifically uses 'χέρι' (hand).
Situation: You just finished a great job interview and feel you will get the job.
This idiom expresses the certainty of the result (getting the job).
Α: Θα κερδίσει η ομάδα μας σήμερα; Β: Ναι, ___________!
The idiom 'το έχουμε στο χέρι' is the natural way to express certainty of winning.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, you wouldn't say 'I have him in the hand' to mean success. You would use 'Τον έχω' (I've got him/I can handle him), but 'στο χέρι' is usually for results or objects.
You can use it *after* the interview when talking to friends, but don't say it *to* the interviewer!
It's a general 'it' representing the victory, the goal, or the success. It doesn't need to match a specific noun's gender in the sentence.
Yes, you would say 'Είναι βέβαιο' or 'Η επιτυχία είναι εξασφαλισμένη'.
Yes! 'Το είχα στο χέρι' is very common for saying you almost won but something went wrong at the last second.
It's informal/idiomatic, but not 'low' slang. Everyone from teenagers to grandfathers uses it.
Simply change the verb: 'Το έχουμε στο χέρι'.
Not exactly. 'Piece of cake' (παιχνιδάκι) means it's easy. 'Το έχω στο χέρι' means the result is certain.
Rarely. It's almost always for a positive or desired outcome.
Yes, many Greek pop and folk songs use it to describe winning someone's heart or succeeding in life.
Frases relacionadas
Το έχω στο τσεπάκι
similarTo have it in the pocket.
Είναι στο χέρι μου
contrastIt is up to me.
Πιάνουν τα χέρια μου
builds onTo be good with one's hands.
Με άδεια χέρια
contrastWith empty hands.
Λύνω τα χέρια
similarTo free someone's hands.
