Signification
To be overwhelmed by problems or beyond the point of no return.
Contexte culturel
This idiom is often used to describe the 'Bazaari' (merchant) culture when someone goes bankrupt. It shows a specific type of resilience where the person doesn't hide but openly admits they are 'drowned'. Classical poets like Saadi have used similar imagery to discuss the inevitability of fate and the insignificance of worldly troubles once the soul is 'submerged' in divine love or ultimate despair. In Iranian Twitter/X, this phrase is a popular meme used when the currency (Rial) drops in value. People say it to show they have become numb to economic bad news. Younger generations might use it sarcastically when they get a bad grade or break a phone, mocking the dramatic nature of the idiom.
Use the full version for impact
If you want to sound very wise and traditional, use the full 'Che yek vajab che sad vajab' ending.
Don't use with 'drowning'
If someone is actually drowning in a pool, call for help! Don't use this idiom, or they might think you've given up on them.
Signification
To be overwhelmed by problems or beyond the point of no return.
Use the full version for impact
If you want to sound very wise and traditional, use the full 'Che yek vajab che sad vajab' ending.
Don't use with 'drowning'
If someone is actually drowning in a pool, call for help! Don't use this idiom, or they might think you've given up on them.
Teste-toi
Complete the idiom with the correct body part.
آب که از ....... گذشت، چه یک وجب چه صد وجب.
The idiom specifically uses 'sar' (head) to indicate the point of drowning.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'Ab az saram gozasht'?
Situation: Ali missed his bus by 1 minute. He is very angry.
The idiom is reserved for major, life-altering, or overwhelming situations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'داری تمام پولت رو توی قمار خرج میکنی؟' B: 'آره، دیگه ....................'
B is gambling away all their money because they feel they are already in a hopeless situation.
Match the meaning to the idiom.
What does 'Che yek vajab che sad vajab' imply in the context of this idiom?
It emphasizes that after the 'head' is submerged, the extra depth is irrelevant.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesآب که از ....... گذشت، چه یک وجب چه صد وجب.
The idiom specifically uses 'sar' (head) to indicate the point of drowning.
Situation: Ali missed his bus by 1 minute. He is very angry.
The idiom is reserved for major, life-altering, or overwhelming situations.
A: 'داری تمام پولت رو توی قمار خرج میکنی؟' B: 'آره، دیگه ....................'
B is gambling away all their money because they feel they are already in a hopeless situation.
What does 'Che yek vajab che sad vajab' imply in the context of this idiom?
It emphasizes that after the 'head' is submerged, the extra depth is irrelevant.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes, it usually describes a negative situation, but it can have a 'liberating' feel because the person stops worrying.
Yes, you can say 'Ab az saresh gozashte' to describe a friend who is in deep trouble.
Only with close colleagues. It sounds too defeated for a formal meeting with a boss.
Expressions liées
هر چه بادا باد
similarCome what may / Let it be.
آب در هاون کوبیدن
relatedTo pound water in a mortar.
به سیم آخر زدن
builds onTo strike the last string (to go for broke).
