τον τσακώσω (κάποιον)

Translations

• to catch someone
• to nab someone
• to catch someone in the act

Literal Translation

to crush/break someone

Forms

Usage Notes

Often used with the accusative pronoun before the verb. Can be used both for catching someone doing something wrong and for simply managing to find/meet someone you're looking for.

Etymology

From the verb 'τσακώνω' which derives from the Byzantine Greek 'τσακίζω' (to crush, to break)

Cultural Context

Commonly used in everyday Greek to describe catching someone doing something they shouldn't, or simply finding/catching someone you're looking for

• Think of 'τσακ' as the sound of a trap snapping shut when you catch someone
• Similar to English 'to nab' - both are short, punchy words for catching someone