Meaning
Thoroughly and entirely, from the very foundation.
Cultural Background
In the arid climate of Iran, maintaining a garden is a battle against the desert. Weeds with deep roots can steal precious water from fruit trees. Thus, 'uprooting' is not just a metaphor but a daily survival task. Traditional Persian buildings use 'Khesht' (mud-brick). If the foundation (bon) is compromised by moisture or salt, the whole building must be razed. You cannot simply patch a mud-brick wall if the base is gone. Poets like Rumi and Hafez often talk about the 'root of sorrow' or the 'foundation of the house of love.' They use these terms to describe the total occupation of the soul by an emotion. In modern Iranian political discourse, the phrase is often used by reformists or revolutionaries to argue that incremental change (eslāh-e jaz'i) is insufficient.
Pair with 'Kandan'
If you want to sound like a native, use it with the verb 'kandan' (to dig/uproot) when talking about removing bad habits.
Too Strong for Small Talk
Don't use this when talking about minor inconveniences; it makes you sound overly dramatic.
Meaning
Thoroughly and entirely, from the very foundation.
Pair with 'Kandan'
If you want to sound like a native, use it with the verb 'kandan' (to dig/uproot) when talking about removing bad habits.
Too Strong for Small Talk
Don't use this when talking about minor inconveniences; it makes you sound overly dramatic.
Political Nuance
Be careful using this in political discussions in Iran, as it implies a desire for radical, systemic change.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct idiom.
دولت تصمیم گرفت قوانین مالیاتی را ________ تغییر دهد تا عدالت برقرار شود.
The context of 'establishing justice' through 'changing laws' implies a radical, fundamental change.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
کدام جمله درست است؟
This is the literal and correct use of the idiom. The others use it as a substitute for 'completely' in contexts where it doesn't fit.
Match the verb with the most likely use of 'az bikh o bon'.
Match the following:
These four verbs represent the most common actions associated with this idiom.
In which situation would you use 'az bikh o bon'?
کدام موقعیت مناسب است؟
The idiom is used for fundamental destruction or change.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدولت تصمیم گرفت قوانین مالیاتی را ________ تغییر دهد تا عدالت برقرار شود.
The context of 'establishing justice' through 'changing laws' implies a radical, fundamental change.
کدام جمله درست است؟
This is the literal and correct use of the idiom. The others use it as a substitute for 'completely' in contexts where it doesn't fit.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These four verbs represent the most common actions associated with this idiom.
کدام موقعیت مناسب است؟
The idiom is used for fundamental destruction or change.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but usually in the context of a 'fresh start' or 'total renovation.' For example, 'We rebuilt our friendship az bikh o bon.'
It's much stronger. 'Completely' (kāmelan) is a general adverb; 'az bikh o bon' implies you are dealing with the foundation.
Yes, very frequently in classical Persian poetry to describe the destruction of enemies or the uprooting of the heart.
No, the order is fixed. Swapping them sounds like saying 'branch and root' in English—people will understand, but it's wrong.
Related Phrases
از ریشه
synonymFrom the root
از سیر تا پیاز
similarFrom garlic to onion
کلاً
similarTotally / In general
بنیادین
builds onFundamental
ریشهکن کردن
specialized formTo eradicate
