Breakdown of Zaten diyet yapmıyorum, tatlı bir kaçamak yapmakta fayda var.
bir
a / an
var
there is / existent
yapmak
to do / to make
zaten
anyway, in any case
Questions & Answers about Zaten diyet yapmıyorum, tatlı bir kaçamak yapmakta fayda var.
How does zaten reinforce the argument in this sentence?
Here, zaten (anyway / already) acts as a discourse marker that justifies the second half of the sentence. By saying Zaten diyet yapmıyorum, the speaker presents their current state as an established fact that makes the upcoming action (eating a treat) perfectly logical. It gives off a "since that is the case anyway, I might as well" vibe.
I know kaçamak usually means "escape" or "getaway." How does it mean "treat" here?
You are right that kaçamak comes from kaçmak (to run away or escape). In everyday Turkish, a kaçamak often refers to a small, harmless deviation from a routine or set of rules, like a "cheat meal" or a secret snack. So tatlı bir kaçamak yapmak is a colorful and common way to say "to have a sweet cheat" or "to indulge in a sweet treat."
Why is the locative suffix -ta attached to the infinitive in yapmakta fayda var?
The structure -mAkta fayda var is a very common fixed phrase meaning "there is a benefit in doing [an action]." The locative suffix -ta translates nicely to "in" here, making yapmakta literally mean "in doing." You can use this pattern with any verb to give advice, such as gitmekte fayda var (there is a benefit in going).
Why is the verb yapmak used to mean "being on a diet"?