Significado
Referring to someone who is tricky, dishonest, or manipulative.
Contexto cultural
In the traditional bazaar, reputation (aberu) is everything. Being labeled 'dom-e kaj' can ruin a merchant's business because trust is the basis of credit (nesiyeh) transactions. The concept of 'Rasti' (straightness) vs 'Kaji' (crookedness) dates back to Old Persian inscriptions where the King prays to be protected from 'The Lie' (Drauga). Many 'trickster' characters in Iranian films are described using this idiom. It’s a common trope for the antagonist who pretends to be a friend. Some believe that physical traits reflect character. While 'dom-e kaj' is an idiom, it stems from an old worldview where physical 'perfection' was linked to moral 'perfection'.
Listen for the 'e'
In conversation, you'll mostly hear 'domesh kaje' rather than the dictionary form 'dom-e kaj'.
Don't use for friends
Unless you are 100% sure they won't take offense, avoid calling a friend 'dom-e kaj.' It's a serious accusation of bad character.
Significado
Referring to someone who is tricky, dishonest, or manipulative.
Listen for the 'e'
In conversation, you'll mostly hear 'domesh kaje' rather than the dictionary form 'dom-e kaj'.
Don't use for friends
Unless you are 100% sure they won't take offense, avoid calling a friend 'dom-e kaj.' It's a serious accusation of bad character.
Pair with 'Zir-e sar'
Often used with 'ye chizi zir-e sareshe' (he has something under his head/up his sleeve).
The 'Straight' Path
Remember that 'Rast' (straight) is the opposite. Calling someone 'Rast-goo' is the ultimate compliment.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
مواظب باش با علی معامله نکنی، همه میگن اون آدم ....... است.
'دم کج' is the idiom for a shifty/dishonest person.
Which situation best fits the use of 'دمش کجه'?
In which scenario would you say 'دمش کجه'?
The idiom describes dishonesty and shiftiness.
Fill in the response to complete the dialogue.
سارا: 'چرا با کامران کات کردی؟' مریم: 'چون فهمیدم .......'
The context of breaking up suggests a negative character trait like being 'dom-e kaj'.
Match the idiom to its meaning.
Match 'دم کج' with its figurative meaning:
The idiom refers to a lack of integrity.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Clever vs. Shifty
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosمواظب باش با علی معامله نکنی، همه میگن اون آدم ....... است.
'دم کج' is the idiom for a shifty/dishonest person.
In which scenario would you say 'دمش کجه'?
The idiom describes dishonesty and shiftiness.
سارا: 'چرا با کامران کات کردی؟' مریم: 'چون فهمیدم .......'
The context of breaking up suggests a negative character trait like being 'dom-e kaj'.
Match 'دم کج' with its figurative meaning:
The idiom refers to a lack of integrity.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNo, it's not a swear word, but it is a strong insult to someone's character. It's like calling someone 'shady' or 'crooked' in English.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. You can say 'Oun dokhtar domesh kaje' (That girl is shifty).
The opposite would be 'adam-e dorostkar' (an upright person) or 'rast-goo' (a truth-teller).
Only if you are talking *about* a third party who is known to be a scammer, and only in a very casual business setting. Otherwise, stay professional.
No, it's entirely figurative. It's like saying someone has 'sticky fingers' in English.
Persian idioms often use animal parts. The tail is seen as something that follows you and reveals your true nature.
It's a bit too heavy for that. Use 'sheytoun' (naughty) or 'dom-borideh' instead.
No, it's widely understood and used all across Iran and in Persian-speaking communities.
You can say 'Dare domesh kaj mishe.'
No, only for people or their actions/intentions.
Yes: 'Adam-haye dom-e kaj' (Shifty people).
If you use it for a physical object, people will just be confused. If you use it for a person by mistake, apologize and say you meant they were 'clever' (zerang).
Frases relacionadas
دمبریده
similarClever, naughty, or shifty.
هفتخط
specialized formExtremely cunning and deceptive.
مارموز
synonymSneaky and mysterious.
رند
similarA clever rogue.
آدمفروش
contrastA traitor/snitch.
پاکدست
contrastHonest, especially with money.
