Learning a new language often involves diving into the depths of its culture, history, and unique expressions. The Persian language, also known as Farsi, is no exception. Persian is filled with colorful idiomatic expressions that often leave learners amused and bewildered at the same time. These expressions can provide a window into the cultural and historical landscape of Iran and other Persian-speaking regions. In this article, we will explore some of the funniest and most intriguing figurative expressions in the Persian language. By understanding these idioms, you’ll not only expand your vocabulary but also gain insight into the nuances of Persian humor and everyday life.
1. دست گل به آب دادن (Daste gol be âb dâdan)
Translation: To give a bouquet to the water
This expression is used when someone makes a significant mistake or blunder. It is similar to the English idiom “to put your foot in it.” Imagine someone accidentally dropping a beautiful bouquet into the water; the disappointment and sense of loss encapsulate the feeling of having made a major error.
Example:
“Ali really دست گل به آب داد when he forgot his wife’s birthday.”
2. موش تو سوراخ نمی‌رفت, جارو به دمبش می‌بست (Mush tu surâkh nemiraft, jâru be dambesh mibast)
Translation: The mouse couldn’t fit in the hole, so it tied a broom to its tail
This idiom describes someone who is already in a difficult situation but makes things even worse by their actions. It’s equivalent to the English saying, “adding insult to injury.”
Example:
“By arguing with the police officer, Reza موش تو سوراخ نمی‌رفت, جارو به دمبش می‌بست.”
3. خر تو خر (Khar tu khar)
Translation: Donkey inside donkey
This phrase is used to describe a chaotic and disorganized situation, similar to the English idiom “a complete mess.” The imagery of donkeys tangled up with each other emphasizes the confusion and disorder.
Example:
“The market was خر تو خر during the holiday season.”
4. یه پا داره, یه پای دیگه هم قرض میکنه (Ye pâ dâre, ye pâye digar ham gharz mikone)
Translation: It has one leg, and it borrows another leg
This saying is used to describe someone who is extremely resourceful or determined, often finding a way to achieve something against all odds. It’s similar to the English expression “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Example:
“Despite the challenges, Sara managed to finish the project. She really یه پا داره, یه پای دیگه هم قرض میکنه.”
5. آب از سر گذشتن (Âb az sar gozashtan)
Translation: Water has passed over the head
This expression signifies that a situation has gone beyond the point of no return. It’s similar to the English idiom “the damage is done.” The imagery of water passing over someone’s head conveys the sense of being overwhelmed and unable to reverse the situation.
Example:
“By the time they realized the mistake, آب از سر گذشته بود.”
6. گربه را دم حجله کشتن (Gorbe râ dame hejle koshtan)
Translation: To kill the cat at the bridal chamber
This idiom means to establish authority or control from the very beginning. It’s akin to the English expression “nipping it in the bud.” The imagery of taking decisive action at the outset is clear and memorable.
Example:
“The new manager decided to گربه را دم حجله بکشد and set strict rules from day one.”
7. مرغ همسایه غازه (Morgh-e hamsâye ghâzeh)
Translation: The neighbor’s chicken is a goose
This expression is used to convey that things always seem better when they belong to someone else. It’s similar to the English saying “the grass is always greener on the other side.”
Example:
“Whenever I see my friend’s new gadgets, I think مرغ همسایه غازه.”
8. از این ستون به آن ستون فرج است (Az in sotun be ân sotun faraj ast)
Translation: From this column to that column is relief
This idiom means that moving from one situation to another can bring relief or a solution to a problem. It’s somewhat similar to the English expression “a change is as good as a rest.”
Example:
“After a stressful week, a weekend getaway proved that از این ستون به آن ستون فرج است.”
9. بیلش را پارو میکند (Bilesh râ pâru mikonad)
Translation: He shovels with a paddle
This phrase describes someone who is working very inefficiently or using the wrong tool for the job. It’s akin to the English saying “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.”
Example:
“Trying to fix the computer with a hammer is like بیلش را پارو کردن.”
10. شتر در خواب بیند پنبه دانه (Shotor dar khâb binad panbe dâne)
Translation: The camel dreams of cotton seeds
This idiom is used to describe someone who is daydreaming about something unattainable or unrealistic. It’s similar to the English expression “building castles in the air.”
Example:
“Thinking he can pass the exam without studying is like شتر در خواب بیند پنبه دانه.”
11. دندان گرد بودن (Dandân gerd budan)
Translation: To have round teeth
This idiom means to be greedy or to want more than one needs. It’s similar to the English saying “having eyes bigger than your stomach.”
Example:
“Taking more food than you can eat is a sign of دندان گرد بودن.”
12. به خر گفتند دُمَت کج است, گفت کجایم راست است (Be khar goftand domat kaj ast, goft kajâyam râst ast)
Translation: They told the donkey its tail is crooked, it replied which part of me is straight
This saying is used to describe a situation where everything is flawed, and pointing out one issue is pointless. It’s similar to the English saying “the pot calling the kettle black.”
Example:
“Criticizing his work is like به خر گفتند دُمَت کج است, گفت کجایم راست است.”
13. نان کسی را آجر کردن (Nân kasi râ âjor kardan)
Translation: To turn someone’s bread into a brick
This idiom means to ruin someone’s livelihood or to cause financial harm to someone. It’s similar to the English saying “to take the bread out of someone’s mouth.”
Example:
“Spreading false rumors about his business is like نان کسی را آجر کردن.”
14. گاو نه من شیر ده (Gâv-e na man shir deh)
Translation: A cow that gives nine measures of milk
This phrase is used to describe someone who does a lot of good but makes one mistake that ruins all the good they’ve done. It’s similar to the English saying “one bad apple spoils the bunch.”
Example:
“He worked hard all year but his one mistake at the end was like گاو نه من شیر ده.”
15. کلاغ پر افکندن (Kalâgh par afkandan)
Translation: To make a crow fly
This idiom is used to describe someone who is attempting something impossible or very difficult. It’s similar to the English saying “trying to squeeze blood from a stone.”
Example:
“Convincing him to change his mind is like کلاغ پر افکندن.”
Conclusion
Learning these figurative expressions not only helps you understand the Persian language better but also allows you to appreciate the rich cultural heritage that comes with it. Each idiom carries a story, a piece of history, or a slice of everyday life that is uniquely Persian. So, the next time you hear someone say “مرغ همسایه غازه” or “بیلش را پارو میکند,” you’ll know exactly what they mean and maybe even share a laugh. Happy learning!
