چاه کن همیشه ته چاه است
Chah kan hamisheh tah-e chah ast
Well-digger is always at bottom of well
Signification
One who plots harm against others often ends up harming themselves.
Contexte culturel
The proverb is often linked to the story of 'Shaghad' in the Shahnameh, who dug a pit filled with spears to kill his brother, the hero Rostam, but ended up being killed by Rostam's final arrow while he was hiding. Sufi poets like Rumi use the 'well' as a metaphor for the 'Nafs' (ego). Digging a well for others is seen as deepening one's own spiritual imprisonment. In Iranian cinema, especially in 'social dramas', this proverb is a common theme where the antagonist's elaborate schemes lead to their own tragic end. The proverb is equally popular in Afghanistan, often used in tribal mediation to discourage revenge and plotting between families.
Use the Rhyme
If you want to sound more native, use the rhyming version: 'Chāh makan bahr-e kasi, avval khodat, dovvom kasi'.
Avoid for Accidents
Don't use this if someone makes an honest mistake. It implies they are a 'bad person' (chāh-kan).
Signification
One who plots harm against others often ends up harming themselves.
Use the Rhyme
If you want to sound more native, use the rhyming version: 'Chāh makan bahr-e kasi, avval khodat, dovvom kasi'.
Avoid for Accidents
Don't use this if someone makes an honest mistake. It implies they are a 'bad person' (chāh-kan).
Schadenfreude
This proverb is the polite, Persian way of expressing schadenfreude when a bully fails.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
چاهکن همیشه ___ ___ است.
The standard form of the proverb uses 'tah' (bottom) to signify being stuck.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
In which case would you say 'Chāh-kan hamisheh tah-e chāh ast'?
This involves a malicious intent that backfires on the person who started it.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'او سعی کرد با دروغ گویی جایگاه شغلی مرا بگیرد، اما مدیر فهمید و او را جریمه کرد.' Speaker B: '...'
This is the perfect context for the proverb as it involves a failed plot.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesچاهکن همیشه ___ ___ است.
The standard form of the proverb uses 'tah' (bottom) to signify being stuck.
In which case would you say 'Chāh-kan hamisheh tah-e chāh ast'?
This involves a malicious intent that backfires on the person who started it.
Speaker A: 'او سعی کرد با دروغ گویی جایگاه شغلی مرا بگیرد، اما مدیر فهمید و او را جریمه کرد.' Speaker B: '...'
This is the perfect context for the proverb as it involves a failed plot.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, it's very common in texting and social media when discussing drama or 'karma'.
Only if you are being self-deprecating about a 'clever' plan you had that failed. Otherwise, it's too harsh.
'Chāh' is a well or deep pit. 'Ghole' is not a word; you might mean 'Ghale' (castle) or 'Ghole' (summit). Stick to 'Chāh'.
It's a proverb, so it's 'frozen' formal, but used in very informal settings.
Expressions liées
از مکافات عمل غافل مشو
similarDo not be heedless of the retribution of your deeds.
خودکرده را تدبیر نیست
similarThere is no remedy for what one has done to oneself.
کوه به کوه نمیرسد، آدم به آدم میرسد
builds onMountains don't meet, but people do.
تف سربالا
similarSpitting upwards (it falls back on your face).
