When ‘fish stinks from head’ isn’t about fish: Turkish proverbs and idioms explained

In Turkish culture, proverbs and idioms have been shaped by centuries of experiences and observations, reflecting the thought processes and values of its people.

These brief but insightful sayings not only enrich the language but also reveal the societal attitudes, beliefs, and ways of life. Often used in daily conversations, these expressions serve as guiding lessons for individuals.

However, when translated into another language or culture, the meanings of these profound sayings may sometimes shift.

In this article, we will explore the original meanings of Turkish proverbs and idioms and how they can differ when expressed in English.

‘A fish stinks from head’: Significance of leadership in Turkish culture

One of the most well-known Turkish proverbs, “Balik bastan kokar,” conveys a powerful metaphor for leadership. In its figurative sense, it refers to how a person’s character or actions are evident from the very beginning.

Typically used to criticize leaders, this saying implies that issues within a community or organization often stem from the very top, hinting at negative leadership traits.

‘If I spit downward, there’s a beard; if I spit upward, there’s a mustache’: Dilemma of choosing between two bad options

Another popular Turkish idiom, “Asagi tukursem sakal, yukari tukursem biyik,“ speaks to the human condition when faced with difficult decisions.

This saying captures the predicament of having to choose between two undesirable outcomes.

‘Devil gets involved in haste’: Dangers of rushing

The Turkish proverb “Acele ise seytan karisir” warns against rushing into tasks. It suggests that the faster a job is completed, the higher the likelihood of errors. Much like the saying goes, the more hurried the task, the more prone it is to mistakes.

It serves as a reminder to slow down and take time to ensure accuracy.

‘Pour honey and lick’: Epitome of cleanliness and perfection

In Turkish, “Bal dok yala” refers to something so immaculate and spotless that it could be likened to a surface so clean that you could lick it.

Used to describe environments, especially those that have been thoroughly cleaned, this idiom is often associated with areas that are pristinely maintained, such as floors or spaces that have been polished to perfection.

‘To lick your palm’: Bitter taste of unmet expectations

“Avucunu yalamak” is a Turkish idiom that expresses the disappointment of not achieving what one hoped for. It describes the feeling of regret or disillusionment when one’s expectations fall short.

Whether in love, business, or personal aspirations, when things don’t go as planned, this idiom is often invoked.

‘He/She who enters the hamam sweats’: Embracing challenges of new endeavors

The Turkish proverb “Hamama giren terler” speaks to the inevitability of facing difficulties when starting something new.

Whether it’s a job, a project, or a significant life change, the saying emphasizes that with every new endeavor comes the challenge of overcoming obstacles.

If you’re diving into something, you must be ready to endure the struggles that come with it.

‘Where shrill pipe sounds ‘zirt”: Reaching crucial moment

“Zurnanin zirt dedigi yer” is used to describe the most critical or decisive moment in any task or event. Whether it’s the climax of a project, the turning point in a conversation, or the most important aspect of an issue, this idiom signals the pivotal moment where everything comes to a head.

‘Arrival of Thursday is known from Wednesday’: Predicting outcomes based on current trends

In Turkish culture, “Persembenin gelisi carsambadan bellidir” is used to say that the future can often be predicted by current trends or actions.

Just like the Turkish proverb suggests, if you observe the current trajectory of a situation, you can often foresee the result.

‘To be a parsley’: Getting involved in every matter

The idiom “Maydanoz olmak” refers to someone who gets involved in everything, regardless of whether they are asked or not.

This expression is used to describe people who feel the need to interfere in all aspects of life, often without being invited or needed.

‘To give off the taste of zucchini’: Reaching point of annoyance

Finally, “Kabak tadi vermek” refers to the feeling of becoming weary or fed up with something. When something becomes monotonous, tedious, or frustrating, this idiom is used to express how it has become tiresome or uninteresting, much like the sensation of eating an overly familiar or unpleasant food.

As a result, Turkish proverbs and idioms offer deep insights into the culture and values of the people.