از آب گلآلود ماهی گرفتن
az ab glalod mahy grftn
To fish in muddy water (take advantage).
Significado
To take advantage of a chaotic or troubled situation for one's own benefit.
Contexto cultural
The idiom is often used in political cartoons in Iranian newspapers to depict foreign powers interfering in regional conflicts. In the traditional Bazaar, 'fishing in muddy waters' is the ultimate sign of a 'bi-ensāf' (unfair/unjust) merchant. Reputation is everything, and this behavior can ruin a merchant's standing. While the idiom is folk-based, the concept of avoiding opportunism is central to 'Javanmardi' (Persian chivalry) found in the works of Saadi and Attar. Younger Iranians use this phrase to call out 'clout-chasing' influencers who use social movements for personal branding.
Negative Connotation
Never use this to describe your own success unless you are being very self-deprecating or sarcastic.
Political Context
If you see a headline with 'آب گلآلود', look for words like 'سودجو' (profiteer) nearby.
Significado
To take advantage of a chaotic or troubled situation for one's own benefit.
Negative Connotation
Never use this to describe your own success unless you are being very self-deprecating or sarcastic.
Political Context
If you see a headline with 'آب گلآلود', look for words like 'سودجو' (profiteer) nearby.
The 'E' Connector
Don't forget the 'e' (ezāfe) between 'āb' and 'gol-ālūd' (āb-e gol-ālūd).
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
او همیشه سعی میکند از آب ....... ماهی بگیرد.
The idiom specifically uses 'gol-ālūd' (muddy).
Which situation best describes 'fishing in muddy waters'?
کدام مورد معنی این اصطلاح است؟
The idiom means taking advantage of chaos for personal gain.
Match the Persian words to their English meanings.
Match the components:
These are the literal building blocks of the idiom.
What would Sara say to criticize the shopkeeper?
علی: فروشنده قیمتها را دو برابر کرده! سارا: بله، او میخواهد ...
Sara is pointing out the shopkeeper's opportunism.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Positive vs Negative Opportunity
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosاو همیشه سعی میکند از آب ....... ماهی بگیرد.
The idiom specifically uses 'gol-ālūd' (muddy).
کدام مورد معنی این اصطلاح است؟
The idiom means taking advantage of chaos for personal gain.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the literal building blocks of the idiom.
علی: فروشنده قیمتها را دو برابر کرده! سارا: بله، او میخواهد ...
Sara is pointing out the shopkeeper's opportunism.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
14 preguntasIt is critical, but not 'rude' in terms of swear words. It is a common way to express disapproval of someone's ethics.
Yes, like a sibling taking the last cookie while the others are arguing.
There isn't a direct single idiom, but 'کمک بیچشمداشت' (helping without expectation) is the moral opposite.
Very frequently, especially regarding monopolies and price hikes.
It follows standard Persian conjugation: migiram, migiri, migirad...
No, 'kasif' (dirty) is not used. It must be 'gol-alud' (muddy).
It is neutral. You can use it in a speech or with a friend.
Not necessarily, but it implies they are happy the mud is there.
Sometimes people just say 'ماهیگیری میکنه' (He's fishing) in a specific context.
Yes, it is used all over Iran.
Only to describe what you *don't* do.
'Gol' means mud or clay.
No. 'Making hay' is positive. This is negative.
Yes, if a team wins because the other team's star player was unfairly injured.
Frases relacionadas
فرصتطلبی
synonymOpportunism
با یک تیر دو نشان زدن
contrastTo hit two targets with one arrow
آب را گلآلود کردن
builds onTo muddy the water
نان را به نرخ روز خوردن
similarTo eat bread at the daily rate
