Signification
Something desirable but out of reach or difficult to obtain; a challenging goal.
Contexte culturel
Iranians often use lines from classical poets like Saadi, Hafez, and Rumi in daily speech to add weight and beauty to their words. This idiom is a prime example of how 13th-century poetry remains relevant in 21st-century economics. In the south of Iran, the date palm (nakhil) is a symbol of life and resilience. Harvesting dates is a skilled and dangerous job. The idiom resonates deeply there because the physical reality of 'short hands' vs. 'tall palms' is a daily sight. Sometimes this phrase is used as a polite way to decline an expensive invitation or offer without losing face. It shifts the blame from the person to a 'universal truth' of limitation. On Iranian Instagram, you'll see this phrase used as a caption for 'luxury lifestyle' posts, often with a touch of irony or 'Hessrat' (longing). It has become a meme for the gap between social media dreams and real-life bank accounts.
Use the short version
In casual conversation, just saying 'خرما بر نخیله' (Khorma bar nakhile) is enough to show you're fluent and understand the vibe.
Don't sound too negative
While it's a lament, it's often said with a smile or a shrug. Don't make it sound like a tragedy unless it really is.
Signification
Something desirable but out of reach or difficult to obtain; a challenging goal.
Use the short version
In casual conversation, just saying 'خرما بر نخیله' (Khorma bar nakhile) is enough to show you're fluent and understand the vibe.
Don't sound too negative
While it's a lament, it's often said with a smile or a shrug. Don't make it sound like a tragedy unless it really is.
Mention Saadi
If you're in a formal setting, mentioning that 'As Saadi says...' before the idiom will earn you major 'culture points'.
Economic context
This is the #1 way to use this phrase in Iran today. Use it when discussing prices.
Teste-toi
Complete the idiom with the correct words.
دست ما _______ و خرما بر _______.
The standard form is 'dast-e ma kootah' (our hand is short) and 'khorma bar nakhil' (dates on the palm).
Which situation best fits the idiom 'خرما بر نخیل'?
کدام موقعیت برای استفاده از این ضربالمثل مناسب است؟
The idiom is used for desirable goals that are out of reach due to lack of resources.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
سارا: 'دوست داری تابستان به سفر دور دنیا بریم؟' علی: 'خیلی دوست دارم، ولی با این وضعیت مالی...'
Ali is expressing that the trip is a great idea but financially impossible for him.
What is the origin of this phrase?
ریشه این ضربالمثل در کجاست؟
The phrase is a famous line from a ghazal by the poet Saadi.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Persian vs. English 'Unreachable' Idioms
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesدست ما _______ و خرما بر _______.
The standard form is 'dast-e ma kootah' (our hand is short) and 'khorma bar nakhil' (dates on the palm).
کدام موقعیت برای استفاده از این ضربالمثل مناسب است؟
The idiom is used for desirable goals that are out of reach due to lack of resources.
سارا: 'دوست داری تابستان به سفر دور دنیا بریم؟' علی: 'خیلی دوست دارم، ولی با این وضعیت مالی...'
Ali is expressing that the trip is a great idea but financially impossible for him.
ریشه این ضربالمثل در کجاست؟
The phrase is a famous line from a ghazal by the poet Saadi.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's literary. While Saadi's work has mystical themes, the idiom is used for secular and everyday situations.
Yes, if you are talking about someone you admire but can't be with, it's very poetic.
It's a literary word for a date palm tree. In common speech, people might say 'derakht-e khorma', but the idiom always uses 'nakhil'.
Yes, it's formal enough. It shows you recognize a goal is currently unattainable due to resources.
Not necessarily. It describes the *current* state of being out of reach. You might still be trying.
You say 'Khorma bar nakhil ast'.
Not a direct one, but 'تو خواب ببینی' (See it in your dreams) is the rude, slangy cousin.
Only if you are being very sarcastic or funny. It's usually for bigger things.
It's a metaphor for lack of power or reach. In Persian, 'dast-derazi' (long-handedness) means overreaching or stealing, but 'dast-e kootah' means lack of means.
Yes, as they share the same literary heritage of Saadi, though the frequency might vary.
Expressions liées
دستش به گوشت نمیرسه میگه بو میده
similarSour grapes (He can't reach the meat, so he says it smells).
آرزو بر جوانان عیب نیست
contrastIt's no shame for the young to dream.
پایت را به اندازه گلیمت دراز کن
builds onStretch your legs to the size of your rug.
مرغ همسایه غازه
similarThe neighbor's chicken is a goose.
