Meaning
To cause someone to desire something greatly, often food or a tempting offer.
Cultural Background
If you use this phrase while someone is eating, they will almost certainly offer you some of their food. This is part of 'Ta'arof' and the belief that sharing food brings blessings. The sensory overload of a bazaar is the traditional setting for this idiom. Vendors often use the sight and smell of their products specifically to 'throw water into the mouths' of passersby. During the fasting month, this idiom is used frequently (and sometimes jokingly) to describe the struggle of seeing food before sunset. In Tehran's modern billboards, high-definition photos of food or luxury items are designed to trigger this exact reaction, often discussed in marketing classes using this idiom.
Use it for non-food items
To sound more like a native, use this for a great discount or a cool gadget, not just food.
Don't forget the 'Be'
Without 'be', you are saying 'to spit', which is a major social faux pas.
Meaning
To cause someone to desire something greatly, often food or a tempting offer.
Use it for non-food items
To sound more like a native, use this for a great discount or a cool gadget, not just food.
Don't forget the 'Be'
Without 'be', you are saying 'to spit', which is a major social faux pas.
Ta'arof Alert
If you say this to a host, be prepared to be given a second helping of food!
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
بوی قرمهسبزی مامان بزرگ واقعاً آب به ........ من انداخت.
The idiom is 'آب به دهان کسی انداختن'.
Which situation is appropriate for this idiom?
In which case would you say 'آب به دهانم انداخت'?
The idiom is used for temptation and desire, usually related to food.
Complete the dialogue.
الف: شنیدی قراره به همه کارمندها پاداش بدن؟ ب: آره، این خبر ......................... .
The news of a bonus is tempting and makes people's mouths water metaphorically.
Match the Persian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
This matches the idiom we are studying.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبوی قرمهسبزی مامان بزرگ واقعاً آب به ........ من انداخت.
The idiom is 'آب به دهان کسی انداختن'.
In which case would you say 'آب به دهانم انداخت'?
The idiom is used for temptation and desire, usually related to food.
الف: شنیدی قراره به همه کارمندها پاداش بدن؟ ب: آره، این خبر ......................... .
The news of a bonus is tempting and makes people's mouths water metaphorically.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
This matches the idiom we are studying.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a written food review.
It's better to avoid it. It can sound like you are objectifying them as 'food'.
آب به دهانم انداخت (It made my mouth water).
Yes, 'دهنم آب افتاد' (My mouth watered) is the most common short, informal version.
Absolutely! Smells are the most common trigger for this phrase.
Not necessarily. It can mean you are 'greedy' for a good deal or a prize.
آب به دهانم نمیاندازد.
Yes, modern and classical poets use it to describe intense longing.
'Vasvase' is 'to be tempted' (mental), while this phrase is more 'mouth-watering' (physical).
Only if you are talking about a project you are very excited about, but keep it professional.
Related Phrases
دهان کسی آب افتادن
synonymTo have one's mouth water.
دل کسی را بردن
similarTo charm or tempt someone.
وسوسه کردن
similarTo tempt.
اشتهاآور
builds onAppetizing.
