Idioms

Turkish idioms carry layers of meaning shaped by daily life, history, and culture.
They often express ideas that cannot be said directly, turning simple phrases into rich, memorable meanings.

Below, you’ll find a growing collection of common Turkish idioms and expressions, each with clear meanings and examples.
Together, they reflect how Turkish is truly spoken, felt, and understood in everyday life.

Sırra kadem basmak

“To step into secrecy.”
It describes someone suddenly disappearing from sight, with no clear trace of where they went.

Suya götürüp susuz getirmek

"To take someone to water and bring them back still thirsty."

It describes someone who is extremely clever and cunning, able to outsmart others in a subtle way.

Sütten ağzı yanan yoğurdu üfleyerek yer

"Once bitten, twice shy."

A painful experience can make someone unusually cautious toward a new situation that carries no real danger.

Tuttuğun altın olsun

"May what you touch turn to gold."
This expression is used as a warm wish for someone’s success, prosperity, and good fortune in whatever they do.

Üzüm üzüme baka baka kararır

“Grapes darken by looking at each other.”
This proverb means that people who spend time together influence one another, for better or worse.

Lâfla peynir gemisi yürümez

“Talking about it doesn't get it done.”
This Turkish idiom means that talking about plans or promises is never enough. Real results require action, effort, and follow-through.

Ne şiş yansın ne kebap

"Let neither the skewer burn nor the kebab."

A Turkish idiom used when someone tries to protect both sides in a disagreement and avoid causing harm to either.

Ya nasip ya kısmet

“May it be my destiny, may it be my fortune.”
This expression is said when someone begins something while leaving the final outcome to fate rather than trying to control it completely.

Zahmetsiz rahmet olmaz

“No blessing comes without effort.”
This saying means that good results and meaningful rewards require struggle, patience, and hard work.

Zorla güzellik olmaz

“Beauty cannot be forced.”
This idiom means that you cannot make someone like or appreciate something against their will.