نه شیر شتر نه دیدار عرب
na sheer-e shotor na didâr-e Arab
Neither camel's milk nor Arab's sight
Signification
Neither of two undesirable options is worth choosing; avoiding both.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Minnat' is central. Iranians often prefer to suffer a bit of hardship than to be reminded of a favor someone did for them. The proverb reflects the historical tensions and trade-offs of the Silk Road and desert life. Used frequently in bureaucratic contexts where a 'shortcut' offered by an official might lead to more corruption or trouble. Proverbs like this are often found in the works of Saadi, who emphasized the value of independence and the 'bread of one's own labor'.
The Half-Proverb
You can often just say 'نه شیر شتر...' and trail off. People will know exactly what you mean.
Cultural Sensitivity
Be careful using this around Arabic speakers who don't know Persian idioms; they might take it literally.
Signification
Neither of two undesirable options is worth choosing; avoiding both.
The Half-Proverb
You can often just say 'نه شیر شتر...' and trail off. People will know exactly what you mean.
Cultural Sensitivity
Be careful using this around Arabic speakers who don't know Persian idioms; they might take it literally.
The Power of No
In a culture of Ta'arof (politeness), this proverb is a very strong and acceptable way to set a firm boundary.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
نه شیر ... نه دیدار ...
The standard proverb uses 'Shotor' (camel) and 'Arab'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Na shire shotor na didare arab'?
A friend offers you a free ticket to a concert, but you have to sit next to your ex-boss who fired you.
The proverb is used when you reject a benefit (concert) to avoid an unpleasantness (ex-boss).
What is the main cultural reason for using this proverb?
Why would an Iranian say this?
The proverb is a classic way to avoid the social pressure of a conditional favor.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: بیا این کتاب رو از من قرض بگیر، ولی باید هر روز بهم گزارش بدی چقدر خوندی. علی: ...
Ali rejects the book because the condition (daily reports) is too annoying.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesنه شیر ... نه دیدار ...
The standard proverb uses 'Shotor' (camel) and 'Arab'.
A friend offers you a free ticket to a concert, but you have to sit next to your ex-boss who fired you.
The proverb is used when you reject a benefit (concert) to avoid an unpleasantness (ex-boss).
Why would an Iranian say this?
The proverb is a classic way to avoid the social pressure of a conditional favor.
سارا: بیا این کتاب رو از من قرض بگیر، ولی باید هر روز بهم گزارش بدی چقدر خوندی. علی: ...
Ali rejects the book because the condition (daily reports) is too annoying.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsWhile it mentions 'Arab,' it is a historical idiom about desert trade relations from centuries ago. In modern usage, it is not intended as a racial slur but as a metaphor for avoiding a 'package deal.' However, use it with caution in diverse company.
It's a bit too dramatic for coffee. Use it for situations involving people, obligations, or significant trade-offs.
Usually, people nod in agreement because they understand the desire to avoid 'minnat' (indebtedness).
People sometimes say 'نخواستیم بابا' (We didn't want it, man) for a similar effect, but the proverb is still very popular.
Expressions liées
عطایش را به لقایش بخشیدن
synonymTo give back the gift to avoid the giver.
دوری و دوستی
similarDistance and friendship.
از طلا گشتن پشیمان گشتهایم، مرحمت فرموده ما را مس کنید
builds onWe regret wanting to become gold; please just turn us back to copper.
سری که درد نمیکنه دستمال نمیبندند
similarDon't wrap a head that doesn't ache.
