Signification
To secretly undermine or harm someone, often to gain an advantage.
Contexte culturel
In many Iranian offices, 'Zir-āb-zani' is viewed as a survival mechanism in highly hierarchical structures. It's a common topic of 'Chay-khaneh' (tea room) gossip. Younger generations in Tehran often shorten the phrase to just 'Zir-āb' as a noun. They might say 'Zir-āb-esh khorde shod' (His under-water was eaten/hit). The 'Zir-āb-zan' character is a staple in Iranian 'Social Drama' movies, representing the moral decay of the urban middle class. The physical layout of the 'Hammam' is essential to the idiom. The 'Khazineh' (pool) was where the sabotage happened.
Use with Suffixes
It's much more natural to say 'Zir-āb-am ro zad' (He backstabbed me) than 'Zir-e āb-e man rā zad'.
Don't use with Elders
This is a very informal and slightly 'street' idiom. Don't use it when talking to your professor or a very old relative unless you are very close.
Signification
To secretly undermine or harm someone, often to gain an advantage.
Use with Suffixes
It's much more natural to say 'Zir-āb-am ro zad' (He backstabbed me) than 'Zir-e āb-e man rā zad'.
Don't use with Elders
This is a very informal and slightly 'street' idiom. Don't use it when talking to your professor or a very old relative unless you are very close.
The Noun Form
Use 'Zir-āb-zani' to describe the 'act' or the 'culture' of backstabbing in a general sense.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'zadan'.
دیروز کامران زیر آب من را ....... (Past Tense)
The sentence starts with 'Dirooz' (Yesterday), so we need the simple past 'zad'.
Which person is the 'Zir-āb-zan' in this story?
مریم به رئیس گفت که سارا همیشه دیر میآید. سارا اخراج شد.
Maryam is the one who spoke to the boss to get Sara in trouble.
Match the idiom to the situation.
Someone is spreading rumors about you to your manager.
This is the definition of the idiom.
What is the most natural response?
شخص الف: شنیدی علی اخراج شده؟ شخص ب: آره، شنیدم یکی از همکاراش ...
The context of being fired suggests sabotage.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Synonyms vs. Antonyms
Bad Actions
- • زیرآبزنی
- • آدمفروشی
- • خیانت
Good Actions
- • حمایت
- • رازداری
- • وفاداری
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesدیروز کامران زیر آب من را ....... (Past Tense)
The sentence starts with 'Dirooz' (Yesterday), so we need the simple past 'zad'.
مریم به رئیس گفت که سارا همیشه دیر میآید. سارا اخراج شد.
Maryam is the one who spoke to the boss to get Sara in trouble.
Someone is spreading rumors about you to your manager.
This is the definition of the idiom.
شخص الف: شنیدی علی اخراج شده؟ شخص ب: آره، شنیدم یکی از همکاراش ...
The context of being fired suggests sabotage.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not a swear word, but it is very informal and describes a negative, mean behavior.
Yes! If your brother tells your parents you broke a vase, you can say 'Zir-āb-am ro زدی!'
There isn't a direct single idiom, but 'Hava-ye kasi rā dāshtan' (To have someone's air/To watch someone's back) is the functional opposite.
Not always, but it usually implies a serious negative consequence like losing a job, a promotion, or a friend's trust.
You say 'Zir-āb-zani' (زیرآبزنی).
Rarely. In formal writing, you would use 'توطئه' (conspiracy) or 'بدگویی' (speaking ill).
Because it comes from old bathhouses where pulling the drain plug (under the water) would ruin someone's bath.
Almost never. It is 99% used for negative, sneaky behavior.
The idiom usually implies 'intent.' If it's an accident, you might say 'Eshtebahi lo dādam' (I accidentally gave it away).
It is most common in Iran. In Afghanistan (Dari) or Tajikistan, they have different idioms for betrayal.
Expressions liées
پشت سر کسی حرف زدن
similarTo talk behind someone's back.
چاه برای کسی کندن
similarTo dig a well (trap) for someone.
نان کسی را بریدن
specialized formTo cut someone's bread (income).
آدمفروشی کردن
synonymTo sell someone out / To snitch.
