Meaning
A problem or conflict that is not openly discussed but still exists.
Cultural Background
This phrase is the 'go-to' description for the period between major protests in Iran. It suggests that the grievances are still there, just waiting for a spark. Classical poets used this to describe 'Love' (Eshgh). Even if a lover seems calm, the fire of love is burning them from inside. In Iranian families, keeping 'Aberoo' (face/reputation) is important. This often leads to conflicts becoming 'atash zir-e khakestar' because people won't argue openly to keep appearances. The phrase is equally common in Afghanistan, often used to describe the security situation or tribal tensions that haven't been resolved.
Use it for 'Simmering' issues
If you want to sound like a native political analyst, use this phrase to describe any unresolved social tension.
Don't use for small things
If you forgot to wash the dishes, it's not 'atash zir-e khakestar'. It's too dramatic for that.
Meaning
A problem or conflict that is not openly discussed but still exists.
Use it for 'Simmering' issues
If you want to sound like a native political analyst, use this phrase to describe any unresolved social tension.
Don't use for small things
If you forgot to wash the dishes, it's not 'atash zir-e khakestar'. It's too dramatic for that.
The 'Taarof' Connection
Remember that in Iran, people often hide their true feelings. This phrase is the key to describing what's happening behind the polite smiles.
Verb Pairing
Pair it with 'شعلهور شدن' (to flare up) to describe when the hidden problem finally explodes.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
سکوت آنها واقعی نیست، این آرامش مثل آتش زیر _______ است.
The idiom is 'Atash zir-e khakestar' (Fire under ash).
Which situation best fits the idiom 'Atash zir-e khakestar'?
Which of these is 'Atash zir-e khakestar'?
The idiom describes hidden, unresolved conflict.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'همه فکر میکنند جنگ تمام شده است.' (Everyone thinks the war is over.) Speaker B: '_________'
Speaker B is warning that the war might look over but the danger remains.
Match the Persian part to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Basic vocabulary components of the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to find it
Politics
- • Suppressed protests
- • Tense peace
Family
- • Old grudges
- • Unspoken anger
Practice Bank
4 exercisesسکوت آنها واقعی نیست، این آرامش مثل آتش زیر _______ است.
The idiom is 'Atash zir-e khakestar' (Fire under ash).
Which of these is 'Atash zir-e khakestar'?
The idiom describes hidden, unresolved conflict.
Speaker A: 'همه فکر میکنند جنگ تمام شده است.' (Everyone thinks the war is over.) Speaker B: '_________'
Speaker B is warning that the war might look over but the danger remains.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary components of the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, but usually for serious topics like family feuds or workplace drama.
No, it almost always implies a threat or a negative emotion like anger.
There isn't a direct single-word opposite, but 'آب روی آتش' (water on fire) means something that calms a situation down.
It's neutral-to-formal. You can use it in a newspaper or with friends when being serious.
No, 'khak' means dirt/soil, but 'khakestar' specifically means ash from a fire.
No, that's not a Persian idiom. It must be 'ash'.
The phrase itself doesn't change. You just change the verb 'to be' (ast, bud, khahad bud).
Yes, it is a standard idiom in Dari Persian as well.
Yes, you can say 'He is like fire under ash' to mean he has a hidden temper.
Not directly, though both involve fire and ash. The Phoenix is about rebirth; this is about hidden danger.
Using the wrong preposition, like 'on' instead of 'under'.
Yes, it's a very professional way to describe a risky situation.
No, it is a secular, cultural idiom.
It is at least 1,000 years old, appearing in classical literature.
Related Phrases
آرامش قبل از طوفان
similarThe calm before the storm
استخوان لای زخم
similarA bone in the wound
مار در آستین
similarA snake in the sleeve
زیرآبزنی
relatedSabotage (hitting under the water)
