به هر کاری دست میزند، خراب میکند
beh har kari dast mizânad, kharâb mikonad
Everything he touches, he ruins
Signification
Describes someone who consistently causes damage or failure in their endeavors.
Contexte culturel
In the fast-paced life of Tehran, this phrase is often used to criticize poor service or bad craftsmanship in the many repair shops across the city. Among Iranians abroad, this phrase is sometimes used to joke about the difficulty of navigating new systems or DIY culture in the West. Grandparents often use this to tease grandchildren who are 'too academic' and lack 'practical' life skills. It's a common way to 'gheybat' (gossip) about a boss or colleague who is perceived as incompetent.
Use the spoken form
In 90% of cases, you'll hear 'mizane' and 'mikone' instead of the formal 'mizanad' and 'mikonad'.
Don't be too mean
This is a strong insult. Use it carefully or only with people you know well.
Signification
Describes someone who consistently causes damage or failure in their endeavors.
Use the spoken form
In 90% of cases, you'll hear 'mizane' and 'mikone' instead of the formal 'mizanad' and 'mikonad'.
Don't be too mean
This is a strong insult. Use it carefully or only with people you know well.
The 'Midas' connection
If you explain this to Iranians as the 'Reverse Midas', they will understand perfectly!
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form.
او به هر کاری دست ________، خراب میکند.
The idiom is 'dast zadan' (to touch/start).
Which situation best fits this phrase?
When would you say 'به هر کاری دست میزند، خراب میکند'?
The phrase describes someone who ruins things they try to do.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا کامپیوتر را به علی ندادی؟ B: چون او ________________.
This explains why you wouldn't trust someone with a task.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesاو به هر کاری دست ________، خراب میکند.
The idiom is 'dast zadan' (to touch/start).
When would you say 'به هر کاری دست میزند، خراب میکند'?
The phrase describes someone who ruins things they try to do.
A: چرا کامپیوتر را به علی ندادی؟ B: چون او ________________.
This explains why you wouldn't trust someone with a task.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it is informal and best used in casual conversations.
Yes, it's common to use it self-deprecatingly when you make a mistake.
The opposite is 'پنجه طلا' (Golden paw) or 'از هر انگشتش یک هنر میبارد'.
No, it can apply to social situations, business deals, or even relationships.
No, 'dast zadan' can also mean 'to clap' or simply 'to touch'. Context is key.
Expressions liées
دسته گل به آب دادن
similarTo make a big mistake.
دستوپا چلفتی
synonymClumsy.
از هر انگشتش یک هنر میبارد
contrastTo be extremely skilled in everything.
ناشی
specialized formAmateur/Unskilled.
