Significado
Something will never happen; an impossibility.
Contexto cultural
In Iran, this idiom is often accompanied by a physical gesture where the speaker holds up their palm and points to it with the other hand to emphasize the lack of hair. In Dari Persian, similar expressions exist, though 'وقت گل نی' is sometimes more common in formal settings. However, 'کف دست' remains a staple of Kabul street slang. Tajik Persian (Tajiki) uses similar imagery, though the influence of Russian idioms sometimes provides alternatives. The concept of 'impossibility' is still strongly linked to the palm. Second-generation Iranians in the West often use a mix of this idiom and 'When pigs fly,' sometimes literally translating it into English ('My palm grew hair!') which confuses non-Persian speakers.
The Gesture
To sound like a native, actually show your palm when saying this. It adds 100% more sarcasm.
Don't be too mean
This idiom is sharp. Use it with friends you can joke with, not someone who is genuinely trying their best.
Significado
Something will never happen; an impossibility.
The Gesture
To sound like a native, actually show your palm when saying this. It adds 100% more sarcasm.
Don't be too mean
This idiom is sharp. Use it with friends you can joke with, not someone who is genuinely trying their best.
Ta'arof vs. Sarcasm
Iranians are usually very polite (Ta'arof), but this idiom is a 'break' from that. It's a sign of intimacy or extreme frustration.
Ponte a prueba
Which situation best fits the idiom 'کف دستم مو درآورده'?
دوستت میگوید که از فردا سیگار را ترک میکند، اما تو میدانی که او همیشه این را میگوید و هیچوقت انجام نمیدهد. چه میگویی؟
Option B correctly uses the idiom to express skepticism toward a repetitive, empty promise.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
اگر او پول من را پس بدهد، کف دستم مو ________.
The verb 'درآوردن' (to grow) is the standard verb used with this idiom.
Match the response to the statement.
Statement: 'I will finish this project by tonight!' (when it's clearly impossible)
Response B expresses the appropriate level of disbelief for an impossible claim.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
علی: قول میدم دیگه دروغ نگم. سارا: ________
This response fits the context of a repeated lie.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Persian vs English Impossibility
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosدوستت میگوید که از فردا سیگار را ترک میکند، اما تو میدانی که او همیشه این را میگوید و هیچوقت انجام نمیدهد. چه میگویی؟
Option B correctly uses the idiom to express skepticism toward a repetitive, empty promise.
اگر او پول من را پس بدهد، کف دستم مو ________.
The verb 'درآوردن' (to grow) is the standard verb used with this idiom.
Statement: 'I will finish this project by tonight!' (when it's clearly impossible)
Response B expresses the appropriate level of disbelief for an impossible claim.
علی: قول میدم دیگه دروغ نگم. سارا: ________
This response fits the context of a repeated lie.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it is strictly informal. In formal writing, use 'غیرممکن' (impossible) or 'بعید' (unlikely).
It's rare. Usually, you talk about your own palm to show *your* disbelief.
The closest equivalent is 'When pigs fly.'
Not necessarily. It usually means you are skeptical or find something funny because it's so unrealistic.
Yes, 'درآورد' (past) and 'درآورده' (present perfect) are both common.
It can be. It's 'sassy.' Don't use it with your grandmother unless she has a great sense of humor!
Because it's biologically impossible, making it a perfect metaphor for a logical impossibility.
Sometimes people just say 'کف دستم مو درآورد!' as a standalone exclamation.
Absolutely not. It would be considered very unprofessional.
Then you should see a doctor, and all your friends' impossible promises might come true!
Frases relacionadas
وقت گل نی
synonymWhen the reed flowers.
زبونم مو درآورد
similarMy tongue grew hair.
مگر در خواب ببینی
similarUnless you see it in your dreams.
کف دستم را بو نکرده بودم
contrastI hadn't smelled my palm.
