تا نباشد چوب تر، فرمان نَبَرد گاو و خر
ta nabashad choobe tar, farmane nabarad gave-o-khar
No pain, no gain / Discipline needed
Signification
Sometimes, strict measures or incentives are required to ensure compliance.
Contexte culturel
Historically, Persian education emphasized the 'fear of the teacher'. This proverb was often cited by teachers to justify strictness. Today, it's more of a cultural relic used in humor. The proverb is closely linked to the 'Gulistan' of Saadi, which is a foundational text for Iranian moral and social values. In modern Iranian offices, this is often used to criticize 'micromanagement' or to complain about a lack of intrinsic motivation in the workforce. The imagery of the ox and donkey reflects the deep agricultural roots of the Iranian plateau, where these animals were essential for survival.
The Half-Proverb Rule
In casual conversation, just say 'تا نباشد چوب تر...' and stop. It sounds more native and less like you're reciting a textbook.
Animal Comparison
Be careful! You are technically comparing people to donkeys. Only use this when complaining about a general situation or with close friends.
Signification
Sometimes, strict measures or incentives are required to ensure compliance.
The Half-Proverb Rule
In casual conversation, just say 'تا نباشد چوب تر...' and stop. It sounds more native and less like you're reciting a textbook.
Animal Comparison
Be careful! You are technically comparing people to donkeys. Only use this when complaining about a general situation or with close friends.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
تا نباشد چوب ___، فرمان نبرد ___ و خر.
The canonical form is 'choob-e tar' (wet stick) and 'gav' (ox).
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
A manager notices that employees only work when he is in the room watching them.
The proverb is used when force or discipline is the only way to get results.
What does 'چوب تر' (choob-e tar) symbolize in this proverb?
نماد «چوب تر» در این ضربالمثل چیست؟
It symbolizes discipline, authority, and the 'levers of pressure' used to ensure compliance.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
When to use the 'Wet Stick'
Work
- • Deadlines
- • Fines
- • Firing threats
Society
- • Traffic laws
- • Taxes
- • Public order
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesتا نباشد چوب ___، فرمان نبرد ___ و خر.
The canonical form is 'choob-e tar' (wet stick) and 'gav' (ox).
A manager notices that employees only work when he is in the room watching them.
The proverb is used when force or discipline is the only way to get results.
نماد «چوب تر» در این ضربالمثل چیست؟
It symbolizes discipline, authority, and the 'levers of pressure' used to ensure compliance.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsYes, very frequently, but mostly in a metaphorical or cynical sense regarding management, law, or self-discipline.
No. In modern usage, the 'stick' is a metaphor for any consequence, like a fine, a bad grade, or a deadline.
Expressions liées
چوب بالای سر
similarA stick over one's head (constant supervision).
گربه را دم حجله کشتن
similarTo kill the cat at the bridal chamber.
با پنبه سر بریدن
contrastTo behead with cotton (to destroy someone with kindness/softness).
