An Idiom is a group of words established by long usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. Generally, the frequent, and proper use of idioms undoubtedly represents the eloquence and proficiency of a speaker. Idioms in a language are greatly influenced by the culture and environment of its speakers. Thus, like I have experienced, trying to pass a message with a language’s idiom in another language is difficult and sometimes embarrassing.

I have been able to pen down some mutual idioms in Turkish and Yoruba languages. To make reading easier, the items are stated in their literally English meaning which may make no sense or appear funny to someone who speaks none of the two languages.

1. Doing the world

This appears as the first on the list because it was one of the statements that inspired this series. I was surprised the first time I heard it from a Turk university teacher of mine. Turks say “alem yapmak” while Yoruba say “se aye”. It refers to enjoyment and amusement that may, but not necessarily go along with some boozing.

2. Change mouth

The Turks say “ağız değiştirmek” while the Yoruba say “pa enu da”. This idiom means to change one’s opinion on something or turn back on one’s promise. Although, the change of mouth idiom doesn’t exist in Standard English language, however it’s usage is well established in Nigerian pidgin English.

3. One’s head flies away/ Brain leaves the head

As a kid, my mum would often say “ori mi fo lo” (my head flew away) while reacting to a sudden and scary incident. Apart from getting me scared, I was always left confused until I grasped the meaning. This statement is similar to “aklı başından gitmek” (brain leaves the head) in Turkish language. These in English could be interpreted as “jump out of one’s skin”. A phrase which means to physically recoil, flinch, or start, especially in fear or surprise.

4. Remove one’s leg (and hand)

“I did not want to take that risk, therefore I decided to remove my hands and my leg from the deal”. That’s what a Yoruba man means when he says “mo yo owo mi, mo yo ese mi”. Somewhere else in the world, a Turkish man is saying “ayağını çekemem” (I can’t remove my leg) to an Englishman who insisted; “You have to keep hands-off this”. Well, that is just an illustration of the meaning of the idiom, which is to refrain from becoming involved with or attempting to take or control something.

5. Open one’s Mouth / leave one’s mouth open

In cases of astonishment or disbelief, the Turkish use the idiom “ağzı açık bırakmak” which is similar to the Yoruba saying “o yaa lenu”. The similitude of this dual in English language is jaw dropping.

6. Show superiority

No, this does not mean bully or something. The Turkish idiom “büyüklük göstermek”, just like its Yoruba equivalent “fi agba han” means to act nobly or forgive the other party in a quarrel.

7. Child of yesterday

If the Yoruba uncles want to humiliate you, they call you “omo ana” lol. The meaning of this, is that one is but a child born yesterday (recently). This not too pleasant idiom exists in Turkish language also as “dünkü çocuk”. In both cases, it shows that the person being referred to is young and most likely inexperienced.

8. Dip eye in something

When you go for shopping and you see an item which you will like to buy, but unfortunately can’t afford it, in a situation when you start thinking of getting the money for it at all cost, then your eyes are dipped in the item already. The Turks call this situation “göz dikmek” and the Yorubas call “ki oju bo”.

9. Open house

The Yoruba idiom “si ile” and its Turkish equivalent “ev açmak” do not mean to open the door of one’s house. Rather it means to move into a new apartment.

10. Put one’s eyes on the way

“Göz yollarda kalmak” in Turkish is similar to “fi oju si ona” in Yoruba language. They mean to await something, especially when it is a long wait. Therefore my eyes are also on the way to see you read and rate this piece.

If you are neither Yoruba nor Turk and you have similitude(s) of any of these in your language, kindly share in the comment section. Let’s learn!

Teşekkür ederim…… E seun!