Fossilised expressions: εν τω μεταξύ, εκ των υστέρων
Ancient and Katharevousa phrases still used in everyday Greek.
Modern Greek has no dative case, but many phrases preserve it (and other ancient forms). They are used as fixed expressions, often in ordinary conversation.
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| εν τω μεταξύ | meanwhile |
| εν πάση περιπτώσει | in any case |
| εν ανάγκη | if necessary |
| εν μέρει | partly |
| τοις μετρητοίς | in cash |
| εκ των υστέρων | in hindsight |
| εκ μέρους | on behalf of |
| κατά λάθος | by mistake |
| επί τόπου | on the spot |
| εξ αιτίας / εξ ορισμού | because of / by definition |
- Εν τω μεταξύ, ο καφές κρύωσε.Meanwhile, the coffee went cold.
- Πλήρωσα τοις μετρητοίς.I paid in cash.
Test yourself
-
What does «εν τω μεταξύ» mean?
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meanwhile -
Translate: «in cash»
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τοις μετρητοίς -
What does «εκ των υστέρων» mean?
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in hindsight -
Translate: «by mistake»
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κατά λάθος