7 Funny Greek Idioms: why & How to use them - part 1
This is the first part of the 2-part series about common Greek idioms. Read Part 2 here.
Have you ever tried to translate an idiom from your native language to someone?
The translation sounds surreal, doesn’t it? Yet, you use this idiom very often in your native language without even noticing how strange it might be.
Today, I’m going to show you 7 common idioms you can use in Greek. You’re going to learn their meaning, where and how to use it. You're going to hear them to. (Click on the audio at the end of this post).
If you want to learn a bit more about why and how it’s great to use expressions and idioms in language learning, the next few paragraphs might interest you. If not, feel free to skip and read below.
Imagine you’re talking to your friend, describing your day; You won’t simply go from one event to the next or use all words literally - like a robot. Of course not.
Language express so much more than plain, actual facts and as humans, we’re creative enough to use multiple meanings in one word or sentence.
When you learn a language however, the first vocabulary is indeed the fundamental one, which helps you to talk about essential things and topics.
As you progress in the language, adding some more colour and liveliness in your speaking helps you sound more natural, be funny and make your story more interesting.
Let’s see how!
1. Καλά κρασιά!
What does it mean?
The sentence literally means “good wines” ; καλά is the adjective and κρασιά is the noun κρασί, in plural. Note that there’s no article used with this idiom.
The translation could be “yeah whatever” or “good luck with that”.
Where & How to Use It
You can say καλά κρασιά when you want to express your disappointment or frustration about cancellations, delays and things that just went wrong.
Also when someone replies in a completely nonsensical way to your question.
You can use this idiom in an informal context, when you talk to a friend or relative. Avoid using it when you’re replying to people you don’t know, since it might sound sarcastic and probably quite rude.
2. Σιγά τα λάχανα!
What does it mean?
Literally, it means “slowly the cabbage”. Makes absolutely no sense, right? Σιγά is an adverb and it means slowly or softly and τα λάχανα is, as you guessed, the cabbage in plural.
It’s like saying “big deal!” in English.
Where & How to Use It
You can say σιγά τα λάχανα sarcastically, when you think whatever the other person says is below your expectations or when you think it’s not as exciting and important as they think.
This idiom is again used in an informal context. (And even then, it’s better to use it about someone who’s not present!)
3. Να ‘χεις τα μάτια σου δεκατέσσερα
What does it mean?
“To have your eyes fourteen” is an idiom used by so many Greek moms out there (mine included!).
Να έχεις (‘χεις) means to have or you should have, τα μάτια means the eyes and δεκατέσσερα is, as you know, the number 14.
This idiom means “be very careful, be alert”.
Where & How to Use It
Since there is a verb here, έχω, it means you can use it depending on the person you refer to. Use it in subjunctive - always with “να” at the beginning.
It’s not offensive to anyone; it’s rather one of those things you’d say to your teenager, when they’re going out with their friends (and it will definitely make their eyes roll - not multiply to 14!).
You can even warn a friend of yours about something you think is dangerous.
4. Οι τοίχοι έχουν αυτιά
What does it mean?
It means that the walls have ears!
Yes, it actually means that someone might overhear what you’re saying so you should better be careful when you're gossiping about that distant aunt at the family dinner.
Where & How to Use It
You use it when someone is actually gossiping!
Obviously you can say this phrase at a very low voice...
5. Πληρώνω τα μαλλιά της κεφαλής μου
What does it mean?
Literally, it means I paid (all) the hair of my head.
Πληρώνω, you probably know already it means I pay, τα μαλλιά is the hair, της κεφαλής μου means of my head.
NOTE 1: In Greek μαλλιά is the plural of the word το μαλλί. Unlike English, the words is used in plural, most of the times.
NOTE 2: The word της κεφαλής is an older form of the word το κεφάλι. Της κεφαλής is genitive and comes from η κεφαλή, which is feminine. In modern Greek, use το κεφάλι for the actual head and η κεφαλή for the person in charge, the leader.
In English it's like saying "It costs me an arm and a leg".
Where & How to Use It
You can say πληρώνω τα μαλλιά της κεφαλής μου in exasperation, when you think that you paid way too much for something.
Since this idiom includes a verb, the verb might change depending on the structure of your sentence.
6. Πέφτω από τα σύννεφα
What does it mean?
It literally means I fall from the clouds. Πέφτω means I fall, από means from and τα σύννεφα means the clouds.
Doesn’t look nice to fall from the clouds, does it? It actually means I’m very surprised, even shocked about something or someone’s actions.
Where & How to Use It
This idiom can be used anywhere. It just expresses a big shock or surprise - negatively.
Again, depending on the person and tense, change the verb. Πέφτω or simple past έπεσα are the two most common tenses.
7. Σκάει γάιδαρο
What does it mean?
This idiom means (He/ she / it) σκάει, bursts and the word γάιδαρο means a donkey. Greeks love donkeys and donkeys love Greeks, this is why we have so many.
Okay maybe not true, but Greeks think of donkeys as extremely patient animals so it’s difficult to make them angry.
Whoever makes a donkey angry, is a truly annoying person; thus this idiom!
Where & How to Use It
Use it when you think that someone is extremely and annoyingly persistent - or plain annoying.
While you can say this idiom over an argument with the said annoying person, it is only used informally.
A verb again: Σκάει or the second person σκας are the forms you usually need to use.
Whoever makes a donkey angry, is a truly annoying person; thus this idiom!
What’s next?
Practice makes better. Here are a few ideas to help you learn these idioms and also practice more speaking:
Listen to the idioms below. Then, try and include these idioms in a sentence at the comments section - I’d love to see what you came up with!
Download the Free Speaking Guide, with tips and ideas to improve your speaking
Check out the Greek at Heart Community. We meet online twice per month in our friendly & inclusive Speaking Circle, where we discuss the topic of the month.
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