Significado
To stay silent or keep a secret.
Contexto cultural
Latvians value 'klusēšana' (silence) as a sign of strength. There is a saying 'Runa sudrabs, klusēšana zelts' (Speech is silver, silence is gold). The history of surveillance in the 20th century made 'pieturēt mēli' a literal survival strategy for many families. In Riga's tech scene, 'pieturēt mēli' is often used regarding NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements). Many folk tales feature characters who fail because they cannot keep a secret, often involving magical creatures.
Use it for surprises
This is the perfect phrase to use when planning a surprise party or gift.
Don't say it to your boss
Unless you have a very close relationship, telling a superior to 'pieturi mēli' can sound rude.
Significado
To stay silent or keep a secret.
Use it for surprises
This is the perfect phrase to use when planning a surprise party or gift.
Don't say it to your boss
Unless you have a very close relationship, telling a superior to 'pieturi mēli' can sound rude.
The 'Pie-' Prefix
Remember that 'pie-' often means 'a little bit' or 'temporarily' in Latvian. You are holding your tongue just for now!
Teste-se
Fill in the correct form of the phrase.
Lūdzu, _________ mēli, tas ir noslēpums!
The imperative form 'pieturi' is used for a direct command/request to one person.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Select the natural sentence:
'Pieturēja mēli' is the standard idiom for staying silent.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are at a surprise party and the birthday girl walks in. What should you have done?
You should have kept the secret (held your tongue).
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Es tev pateikšu kaut ko svarīgu.' B: 'Labi, es apsolu _________.'
B is promising to keep the important information a secret.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosLūdzu, _________ mēli, tas ir noslēpums!
The imperative form 'pieturi' is used for a direct command/request to one person.
Select the natural sentence:
'Pieturēja mēli' is the standard idiom for staying silent.
You are at a surprise party and the birthday girl walks in. What should you have done?
You should have kept the secret (held your tongue).
A: 'Es tev pateikšu kaut ko svarīgu.' B: 'Labi, es apsolu _________.'
B is promising to keep the important information a secret.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasIt depends on the tone. It is generally neutral, but if shouted, it can be rude. It's similar to 'hold your tongue' in English.
It's better to use more formal language like 'lūdzu saglabāt šo informāciju konfidenciālu' in formal emails.
'Klusēt' just means to be silent. 'Pieturēt mēli' implies you have something you *could* say but are choosing not to.
You can say 'Es neprotu pieturēt mēli' or 'Es neprotu glabāt noslēpumus'.
Frases relacionadas
Turēt mēli aiz zobiem
synonymTo keep the tongue behind the teeth.
Iekost mēlē
similarTo bite one's tongue.
Mēle niez
contrastThe tongue is itching.
Palaist mēli
contrastTo let the tongue loose.
