IdiomBody & Senses
Greek
GreekΜου έφυγε το καφάσι
Meaning: I was utterly shocked.
Literally: My crate flew off
Example: “Όταν είδα τον λογαριασμό, μου έφυγε το καφάσι.” — When I saw the bill, you could have knocked me down with a feather.
English equivalent: You could have knocked me down with a feather
Origin: Kafási, from Turkish kafes (cage, crate), is slang for the head. "My crate flew off" is being blown away by surprise. The phrase is modern colloquial Greek with no particular story behind it.
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: Quedarse de piedra Literally: To be left as stone
French: En rester comme deux ronds de flan Literally: To be left like two rounds of custard
English: you could have knocked me down with a feather
More Greek idioms
- Άλλα λόγια ν' αγαπιόμαστε You're dodging the point or talking nonsense.
- Κάνω την πάπια To feign ignorance; to play dumb.
- Τρώω πόρτα To be refused entry or turned down flat.
- Πιάστηκε στα πράσα Caught red-handed.
- Μασάω τα λόγια μου To mumble and not speak plainly.
- Σιγά τα λάχανα Big deal! (extreme sarcasm)
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Eline sağlık Praise and thanks to someone — especially a cook — for something made beautifully by hand.
- És uma joia You're a gem — a precious, lovely person.
- Sei un salame You're a clumsy, dopey softie — said with a smile.
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