Significado
Refers to someone who makes threats but lacks the power or ability to carry them out.
Contexto cultural
The lion is the national animal and appears in the 'Lion and Sun' motif. Using it in a proverb about weakness is a strong rhetorical move. In Dari Persian, this proverb is also used, often in the context of warlords or local leaders who lose their influence. Tajik speakers use this proverb similarly, though they might use the word 'Dandun' more frequently in speech. Rumi and Saadi often used animal metaphors to describe human ego. A 'toothless lion' can represent an ego that has lost its ability to hurt others.
Use for Reassurance
This is a great phrase to use when a friend is nervous about a meeting or a confrontation. It makes you sound very supportive and wise.
Don't be too rude
While it's a proverb, calling someone a toothless lion to their face is a direct insult. Use it 'about' someone, not 'to' someone unless you want a fight.
Significado
Refers to someone who makes threats but lacks the power or ability to carry them out.
Use for Reassurance
This is a great phrase to use when a friend is nervous about a meeting or a confrontation. It makes you sound very supportive and wise.
Don't be too rude
While it's a proverb, calling someone a toothless lion to their face is a direct insult. Use it 'about' someone, not 'to' someone unless you want a fight.
Shorten it
You can just say 'شیرِ بی دندان' (Toothless lion) as a nickname for a situation or person to sound more native.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
دهان شیر ....... ندارد.
The proverb literally means 'The lion's mouth has no teeth (dandan)'.
Which situation best fits this proverb?
A boss threatens to cancel everyone's vacation but doesn't have the power to do so.
This proverb is used for empty threats from someone who seems powerful.
Match the Persian words to their English meanings.
Match the components of the proverb.
These are the literal translations of the components.
Choose the best response for Sara.
Ali: 'I'm scared of the new neighbor, he looks very mean.' Sara: 'Don't worry...'
Sara is reassuring Ali that the neighbor's mean appearance is harmless.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosدهان شیر ....... ندارد.
The proverb literally means 'The lion's mouth has no teeth (dandan)'.
A boss threatens to cancel everyone's vacation but doesn't have the power to do so.
This proverb is used for empty threats from someone who seems powerful.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the literal translations of the components.
Ali: 'I'm scared of the new neighbor, he looks very mean.' Sara: 'Don't worry...'
Sara is reassuring Ali that the neighbor's mean appearance is harmless.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is very common, especially in political discussions and when talking about workplace bullies.
Yes, Persian verbs and nouns are gender-neutral. It applies to anyone.
'Dandan' is formal/written, 'Dandoon' is informal/spoken. Both are correct.
Not at all. It's a classic that never goes out of style, much like 'all bark and no bite'.
No, it's specifically for people or organizations that make threats.
You could say 'فلفل نبین چه ریزه' (Don't look at how small the pepper is), meaning someone looks small but is actually powerful/sharp.
Yes. While 'Shir' can mean milk, the context of 'mouth' and 'teeth' limits it to the animal.
No, the proverb is fixed with 'Shir' (Lion).
It's critical, but not 'curse-word' offensive. It's a socially acceptable way to mock someone's power.
It's a short 'e' sound, like the 'e' in 'bed', linking the two words.
Frases relacionadas
طبل توخالی
synonymHollow drum
سگی که زیاد واقواق میکند، نمیگیرد
similarA dog that barks a lot doesn't bite.
شیر بی یال و دم و اشکم
builds onA lion without a mane, tail, or belly.
مثل موش شدن
contrastTo become like a mouse.
