Maximums and exclusive possibilities (yapsa yapsa)

To narrow down who could have done something or to estimate a maximum limit, use the reduplicated conditional.

Take the verb stem, add the conditional suffix -sa or -se (following 2-way vowel harmony), and repeat the word. For example, açmak (to open) becomes açsa açsa.

The sentence usually ends with the exact same verb, conjugated for time. If you are deducing a past event, the final verb often takes the confident guessing suffix -mIştIr. If you are estimating a general truth or future limit, the final verb usually takes the aorist (the wide tense).

Narrowing Down Suspects

When trying to solve minor mysteries or figure out who is responsible for an action, this structure translates roughly to "if anyone were to do this, it would only be..." or "only [X] could have..."

Only that thief could have opened the safe that you hid.
Sakladığın kasayı açsa açsa şu hırsız açmıştır.
Only the doorman would call us; a thief would not.
Bizi arasa arasa kapıcı arar, hırsız aramaz.
Only the doorman could have seen that new tenant.
O yeni kiracıyı görse görse kapıcı görmüştür.

Upper Limits and "At Best"

When applied to locations, outcomes, or companions, this structure lowers expectations. It translates to "at most" or "at best," estimating the absolute upper limit of a situation.

The tenant would find that piggy bank in the trash, at best.
Kiracı o kumbarayı bulsa bulsa çöpte bulur.
At most, a fake check would come out of the child's piggy bank.
Çocuğun kumbarasından çıksa çıksa sahte bir çek çıkar.
That heir would come to the company with his step-sibling, at best.
O mirasçı şirkete gelse gelse üvey kardeşiyle gelir.

Deducing Motives and Behavior

You can also use this pattern to deduce the only logical reason behind someone's behavior, especially when strong emotions dictate their actions.

His stepmother would only get mad at him out of a grudge.
Üvey annesi ona kızsa kızsa kinden dolayı kızar.
Only you would take revenge on the man, because you hold a grudge.
Adamdan intikam alsa alsa sen alırsın, çünkü kin tutuyorsun.

Physical Capacity

Finally, this grammatical doubling works perfectly for estimating the physical limits of an object. In Turkish, the verb almak (to take) is also used to describe how much a container can hold.

That yellowish barrel holds two hundred liters of water at most.
Şu sarımtırak fıçı alsa alsa iki yüz litre su alır.