Meaning
To take everything, including things that are not explicitly offered or intended.
Cultural Background
The idiom reflects the importance of 'Ash' in Persian culture. It's not just food; it's a symbol of community. Taking the bowl is a betrayal of that community. In modern Tehran, this is often used to describe 'Zarangi' (slyness) that has gone too far and become unethical. Merchants use this to warn each other about untrustworthy partners who might try to seize the entire business. While a folk idiom, it aligns with the themes in Saadi's poetry about the dangers of greed and the virtue of contentment.
Use for emphasis
Add 'واقعاً' (really) before the idiom to show how shocked you are by the greed.
Don't use for friends
Unless you are joking, this is a serious accusation of being a thief or extremely selfish.
Meaning
To take everything, including things that are not explicitly offered or intended.
Use for emphasis
Add 'واقعاً' (really) before the idiom to show how shocked you are by the greed.
Don't use for friends
Unless you are joking, this is a serious accusation of being a thief or extremely selfish.
The 'sh' is key
Always remember the 'sh' at the end of 'jash'. Without it, the idiom loses its rhythmic flow.
Ta'arof context
This idiom is the ultimate 'anti-Ta'arof' expression.
Test Yourself
Complete the idiom with the correct word.
او خیلی طماع است، همیشه آش را با .... میبرد.
'Jāsh' is the traditional word used in this idiom, meaning 'its place/bowl'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'آش را با جاش بردن'?
Which one is correct?
The idiom describes taking something and keeping it greedily, including the 'container' or the item itself.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
علی: 'شنیدی که کامبیز تمام ارثیه را برای خودش برداشته؟' سارا: '...'
This response correctly uses the idiom to comment on Kambiz's greed regarding the inheritance.
Match the idiom to the correct meaning.
آش را با جاش بردن
The idiom focuses on the act of taking more than what is fair.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاو خیلی طماع است، همیشه آش را با .... میبرد.
'Jāsh' is the traditional word used in this idiom, meaning 'its place/bowl'.
Which one is correct?
The idiom describes taking something and keeping it greedily, including the 'container' or the item itself.
علی: 'شنیدی که کامبیز تمام ارثیه را برای خودش برداشته؟' سارا: '...'
This response correctly uses the idiom to comment on Kambiz's greed regarding the inheritance.
آش را با جاش بردن
The idiom focuses on the act of taking more than what is fair.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is generally used to criticize someone. It's not a compliment.
Yes! If you take the last piece of cake, you can say 'من آش را با جاش بردم' to acknowledge your own greed jokingly.
Literally 'place', but idiomatically it refers to the bowl or container.
Not really. In formal settings, you would use words like 'تصاحب کامل' (total seizure).
Almost never. It implies taking something that doesn't belong to you or taking too much.
No, it's used for money, property, ideas, and even time.
Very common. Every native speaker knows this phrase.
Yes, it's understood in Afghanistan and Tajikistan, though they might have local variations.
Only if you are speaking informally with colleagues about a competitor. Don't say it to a client!
There isn't a direct 'idiom' opposite, but 'بذل و بخشش' (generous giving) is the conceptual opposite.
Related Phrases
از آب کره گرفتن
similarTo get butter from water
دندان گرد کردن
similarTo sharpen one's teeth (for something)
بزخر کردن
specialized formTo buy something for a ridiculously low price
دستودلباز
contrastGenerous / Open-handed
