Significado
To tempt someone to talk.
Contexto cultural
In Turkish culture, direct questions about money, health, or private relationships can be seen as 'patavatsızlık' (tactlessness). 'Ağzını aratmak' is a socially acceptable way to navigate these boundaries. Turkish business is highly relational. Before a formal meeting, 'ağız aratmak' through mutual contacts is standard practice to avoid 'losing face' during the actual negotiation. The use of 'muhbir' (informants) and 'aracı' (intermediaries) was a sophisticated art in the Ottoman court. This idiom is a linguistic relic of that era's complex power dynamics. Despite the rise of dating apps, 'görücü usulü' (arranged/introduced meetings) still relies heavily on 'ağız aratmak' by mothers and aunts to check compatibility.
Use with 'birine'
Always specify who you are using as a proxy by using 'birine' (to someone). E.g., 'Ali'ye ağzını arattım.'
Don't overdo it
If you 'ağız arat' too often, people will realize you are being manipulative and stop trusting your 'proxies.'
Significado
To tempt someone to talk.
Use with 'birine'
Always specify who you are using as a proxy by using 'birine' (to someone). E.g., 'Ali'ye ağzını arattım.'
Don't overdo it
If you 'ağız arat' too often, people will realize you are being manipulative and stop trusting your 'proxies.'
The 'Elçi' Rule
In Turkey, the person you send to sound someone out should be someone the target likes. Sending an enemy to 'ağız aratmak' will never work.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'ağzını aratmak'.
Onun ne düşündüğünü bilmiyorum, yarın kardeşine bir ______.
The sentence structure suggests a suggestion or command for the future ('yarın'). 'Ağız arat' fits the imperative mood.
Which sentence describes a 'proxy' (third party) being used?
Hangisi 'ağzını aratmak' anlamına gelir?
'Aratmak' is causative, meaning you use someone else (Ayşe) to get the info from the target (Ali).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Patron yeni projeye çok kızgın mı? B: Bilmiyorum, sekreterine ______ ama bir şey öğrenemedim.
The context of 'sekreterine' (to/via the secretary) implies using her as a proxy or sounding her out to get to the boss.
Match the situation to the idiom.
You want to know if your friend is planning to move to another city, but you don't want to ask directly because it's a sensitive topic. You ask their roommate to find out.
This is the perfect scenario for sounding someone out via a proxy.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosOnun ne düşündüğünü bilmiyorum, yarın kardeşine bir ______.
The sentence structure suggests a suggestion or command for the future ('yarın'). 'Ağız arat' fits the imperative mood.
Hangisi 'ağzını aratmak' anlamına gelir?
'Aratmak' is causative, meaning you use someone else (Ayşe) to get the info from the target (Ali).
A: Patron yeni projeye çok kızgın mı? B: Bilmiyorum, sekreterine ______ ama bir şey öğrenemedim.
The context of 'sekreterine' (to/via the secretary) implies using her as a proxy or sounding her out to get to the boss.
You want to know if your friend is planning to move to another city, but you don't want to ask directly because it's a sensitive topic. You ask their roommate to find out.
This is the perfect scenario for sounding someone out via a proxy.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot necessarily. It's a common social tactic. However, if the person finds out, they might feel manipulated.
Yes, you can say 'Ağızlarını arattım' (I had their mouths searched).
'Nabız yoklamak' is more about testing a general reaction, while 'ağzını aratmak' is about getting specific info from a specific person.
It's common in journalism and novels, but avoid it in strictly academic or legal texts.
Use 'Ağzını arıyorum.'
Usually, yes. You wouldn't use it for public information like the weather.
Yes, like checking if someone would like a surprise gift.
You can say 'Ağzını arattım ama laf alamadık.'
Yes, 'zarf atmak' is a common slang alternative.
Because of vowel dropping (ünlü düşmesi) which occurs when a suffix starting with a vowel is added to 'ağız'.
Frases relacionadas
ağzını aramak
similarTo sound someone out yourself.
ağzından laf almak
builds onTo successfully get information out of someone.
nabız yoklamak
synonymTo check the pulse / test the waters.
ağız birliği etmek
contrastTo agree to say the same thing (to conspire).
ağzı gevşek
specialized formLoose-lipped; someone who can't keep a secret.
