با یک دست دو هندوانه نمیتوان برداشت
ba yek dast do hendavane nemitavan bardasht
Can't carry two watermelons with one hand
Signification
Suggests that it's impossible to do two major or difficult tasks effectively at the same time.
Contexte culturel
In traditional bazaars, watermelons are sold by weight and are often very large (10kg+). The physical act of carrying them is a common sight, making the proverb's imagery immediate and powerful for any Iranian. Iran has a highly competitive university entrance exam. This proverb is the most common advice given to students to stop them from pursuing distracting hobbies during their 'Konkur year'. While a folk proverb, the theme of 'single-mindedness' is found in Sufi poetry (like Rumi or Hafez), where the 'heart' must focus only on the Divine, not the distractions of the world. Despite being an old proverb, it's frequently used in Iranian startups to discuss 'Product Focus' and avoiding 'Feature Creep'.
Use it to say 'No'
This is a very polite, culturally accepted way to decline extra work without sounding lazy. It sounds like you are being 'wise' rather than 'unhelpful'.
Don't conjugate it
Keep the verb in the third person 'nemitavān' or 'nemishe' to keep the 'proverbial' feel. Conjugating it makes it sound like a literal statement about your hand strength.
Signification
Suggests that it's impossible to do two major or difficult tasks effectively at the same time.
Use it to say 'No'
This is a very polite, culturally accepted way to decline extra work without sounding lazy. It sounds like you are being 'wise' rather than 'unhelpful'.
Don't conjugate it
Keep the verb in the third person 'nemitavān' or 'nemishe' to keep the 'proverbial' feel. Conjugating it makes it sound like a literal statement about your hand strength.
The 'Watermelon' size matters
Remember that Iranian watermelons are huge. If you're talking to someone from a country with tiny watermelons, explain the size so the metaphor makes sense!
Teste-toi
Which situation best fits the proverb 'با یک دست دو هندوانه نمیتوان برداشت'?
Sina wants to study for his medical exams and start a professional football career in the same month.
The proverb is a warning against taking on two major, conflicting responsibilities.
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
با یک دست دو ....... نمیتوان .......
The canonical form uses 'hendevāne' (watermelon) and 'bardāsht' (pick up).
Choose the best response for Sarah.
Friend: 'I'm going to work 12 hours a day and also write a 500-page novel this month.' Sarah: 'Be careful! _________'
Sarah is warning her friend about over-commitment.
Match the Persian proverb to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Both idioms warn against divided focus.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSina wants to study for his medical exams and start a professional football career in the same month.
The proverb is a warning against taking on two major, conflicting responsibilities.
با یک دست دو ....... نمیتوان .......
The canonical form uses 'hendevāne' (watermelon) and 'bardāsht' (pick up).
Friend: 'I'm going to work 12 hours a day and also write a 500-page novel this month.' Sarah: 'Be careful! _________'
Sarah is warning her friend about over-commitment.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Both idioms warn against divided focus.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's generally seen as wise and helpful advice. However, don't use it to a superior unless you have a very close relationship.
It's better not to. It's specifically for 'heavy' tasks. For small things, it sounds overly dramatic.
The most common informal version is 'Bā ye dast do tā hendune nemishe bardāsht'.
Not really. Persian culture emphasizes focus. There isn't a common proverb that encourages doing many things at once.
Yes, it's often used to tell someone they can't be in love with two people at the same time.
Because they are heavy, round, and slippery—the perfect metaphor for a difficult task.
Yes, frequently in editorials, advice columns, and literature.
You can, for emphasis, but 'two' is the standard form.
'Jack of all trades' describes a person's skill level; this proverb describes the *impossibility* of the act itself.
Yes, though they might use the colloquial 'hendune' and 'nemishe' instead of the formal version.
Expressions liées
یک دهان و دو نای
similarOne mouth and two flutes.
آدم دو دله
builds onA two-hearted person.
از این ستون به آن ستون فرج است
contrastFrom this pillar to that pillar, there is hope.
همه کاره و هیچ کاره
synonymJack of all trades, master of none.
