Meaning
To suffer harm or misfortune caused by someone from one's own group or inner circle.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Khodi' (insider) is central to Iranian social and political life. It defines who is trusted and who is excluded. Classical poetry often warns that the most dangerous enemy is the one who knows your secrets. Iranian soccer fans are particularly fond of this phrase when their team loses due to internal drama or poor management. On Twitter (X), Iranians use this phrase to describe 'cancel culture' within their own ideological groups.
Use in Sports
This is the most 'safe' and common way to use the phrase without sounding too dramatic.
Don't be too literal
Never use this if you are actually eating dinner with your family!
Meaning
To suffer harm or misfortune caused by someone from one's own group or inner circle.
Use in Sports
This is the most 'safe' and common way to use the phrase without sounding too dramatic.
Don't be too literal
Never use this if you are actually eating dinner with your family!
Sarcasm
You can use it sarcastically when someone 'helps' you but actually makes things worse.
The 'Khodi' Concept
Understanding 'khodi' vs 'gharibe' is the key to mastering Iranian social dynamics.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
ما از دشمن نترسیدیم، اما متاسفانه در پایان مسابقه ________.
The context of 'not fearing the enemy' but still losing suggests internal betrayal or error.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'از خودی خوردن'?
کدام موقعیت برای استفاده از این اصطلاح مناسب است؟
The idiom requires a betrayal by an insider (a close friend).
Complete the dialogue.
شخص اول: چرا پروژه شکست خورد؟ رقیب خیلی قوی بود؟ شخص دوم: نه، رقیب کاری نکرد. ________.
The speaker clarifies that the rival wasn't the cause, implying internal failure.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Betrayal Levels
Practice Bank
3 exercisesما از دشمن نترسیدیم، اما متاسفانه در پایان مسابقه ________.
The context of 'not fearing the enemy' but still losing suggests internal betrayal or error.
کدام موقعیت برای استفاده از این اصطلاح مناسب است؟
The idiom requires a betrayal by an insider (a close friend).
شخص اول: چرا پروژه شکست خورد؟ رقیب خیلی قوی بود؟ شخص دوم: نه، رقیب کاری نکرد. ________.
The speaker clarifies that the rival wasn't the cause, implying internal failure.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it always implies harm, disappointment, or loss.
No, that would be 'del-dard'.
'Az khodi khordan' can be accidental (like an own goal), whereas backstabbing is usually intentional.
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship. Otherwise, it's too casual.
It can include family, but it also means friends, teammates, or colleagues.
آنها از خودی خوردند (Anha az khodi khordand).
Yes, 'ضربه از درون' (Zarbe az darun) is more formal.
Yes, if the partner betrayed your trust with a mutual friend.
'Gharibe' (stranger) or 'bigane' (foreigner/outsider).
In Persian, 'eating' is a metaphor for experiencing or receiving something, especially something negative.
Related Phrases
گل به خودی
similarOwn goal
خنجر از پشت زدن
synonymTo stab in the back
زیرآبزنی
relatedSabotaging someone behind their back
آتش خودی
specialized formFriendly fire
