به امید باغبان، میوه نخورند
be omid-e baghban, mive nakhorand
Don't eat fruit hoping for the gardener.
معنی
Don't rely on others; take action yourself if you want results.
زمینه فرهنگی
The garden (Bagh) is a symbol of paradise and order in Persian culture. However, this proverb shows the pragmatic side of the Iranian psyche—knowing that even in paradise, you must work. In the fast-paced life of Tehran, this proverb is used to encourage 'Ziraki' (smartness). It's often said to young people to discourage them from waiting for government jobs. In desert areas where water management is strict, the 'Baghban' was a literal figure of life. This proverb carried more weight there as a warning against trusting the water distribution system blindly. Classical poets like Sa'di often used garden metaphors to discuss ethics. While this specific wording is more folk-based, the sentiment is found throughout the 'Golestan'.
Use it for 'Tough Love'
This is the perfect phrase to use when a friend is complaining but not acting. It shows you care about their success but won't tolerate their excuses.
The 'Omid' Connection
The word 'Omid' (Hope) is a very common name in Iran. Be careful not to use this proverb if you are talking to someone named Omid about their gardener, or it might sound like a weird pun!
معنی
Don't rely on others; take action yourself if you want results.
Use it for 'Tough Love'
This is the perfect phrase to use when a friend is complaining but not acting. It shows you care about their success but won't tolerate their excuses.
The 'Omid' Connection
The word 'Omid' (Hope) is a very common name in Iran. Be careful not to use this proverb if you are talking to someone named Omid about their gardener, or it might sound like a weird pun!
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
به امید _______، میوه نخورند.
The gardener (باغبان) is the central figure of dependency in this proverb.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Which person should hear 'به امید باغبان، میوه نخورند'?
The proverb is used to criticize someone who relies on others' work for their own success.
Choose the best response for Sara.
Ali: 'I'm not studying for the test. I think the teacher will give us all an A anyway.' Sara: '_________'
Sara is warning Ali that relying on the teacher's kindness is a bad strategy.
🎉 امتیاز: /3
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
بانک تمرین
3 تمرینهابه امید _______، میوه نخورند.
The gardener (باغبان) is the central figure of dependency in this proverb.
Which person should hear 'به امید باغبان، میوه نخورند'?
The proverb is used to criticize someone who relies on others' work for their own success.
Ali: 'I'm not studying for the test. I think the teacher will give us all an A anyway.' Sara: '_________'
Sara is warning Ali that relying on the teacher's kindness is a bad strategy.
🎉 امتیاز: /3
سوالات متداول
3 سوالNot necessarily, but it is blunt. It's 'tough love' advice. Use it with people you have a good relationship with.
It's better for a meeting or a conversation. In a formal email, it might be too informal unless you are quoting it as a cultural reflection.
'Nakhordand' is the past/perfective form (they didn't eat), while 'nakhorand' is the present/subjunctive (they don't eat). Both are used in different versions of the proverb, but 'nakhordand' is very common in classical collections.
عبارات مرتبط
کس نخارد پشت من جز ناخن انگشت من
synonymNo one scratches my back but my own nail.
نابرده رنج گنج میسر نمیشود
similarNo pain, no gain.
تکیه بر جای بزرگان نتوان زد به گزاف
builds onOne cannot sit in the place of the great through empty talk.
