از نوک دماغ فراتر ندیدن
Az nok-e dumm faratar nadidan
To be short-sighted; narrow-minded
Meaning
To be unable to see beyond immediate concerns, lacking foresight or broad perspective.
Cultural Background
In Iran, the nose is a symbol of pride. Nose jobs are very common, and the 'nose' features in many idioms like 'Damagh-esh chagh ast' (He is happy/prosperous). To say someone doesn't see past their nose is a direct hit to their 'Ghorour' (pride). Similar to Iran, Dari speakers use this phrase to criticize lack of wisdom in leadership. It is often used in proverbs to teach children to think about the consequences of their actions. In Tajik Persian, the phrase remains common but might be used with more formal verb endings. It is a staple in Tajik literature when describing the 'ignorant wealthy'. Among Iranians living abroad, this phrase is often used to criticize those who don't integrate or don't see the long-term benefits of cultural exchange.
Use for criticism
This is a perfect 'polite insult' for someone who is being intellectually lazy or selfish.
Don't use for yourself
Unless you are being very self-deprecating, avoid saying 'I don't see past my nose' as it makes you sound incompetent.
Meaning
To be unable to see beyond immediate concerns, lacking foresight or broad perspective.
Use for criticism
This is a perfect 'polite insult' for someone who is being intellectually lazy or selfish.
Don't use for yourself
Unless you are being very self-deprecating, avoid saying 'I don't see past my nose' as it makes you sound incompetent.
Combine with 'Faghat'
Adding 'Faghat' (only) at the start makes it punchier: 'Faghat noke damaghesho mibine!'
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
او آنقدر خودخواه است که هیچوقت فراتر از ________ را نمیبیند.
The idiom specifically uses 'nok-e damagh' (tip of the nose).
Which sentence best describes a person who 'doesn't see past their nose'?
کدام گزینه در مورد کسی است که 'از نوک دماغش فراتر را نمیبیند'؟
The idiom refers to a lack of foresight and focus on immediate gains.
Complete the dialogue using the idiom.
علی: 'چرا سهراب تمام پولش را در یک روز خرج کرد؟' مریم: 'چون او آدم کوتهبینی است و ...'
This fits the context of criticizing someone's lack of financial planning.
Match the situation to the idiom's usage.
In which situation is this idiom most appropriate?
Ignoring long-term issues like climate change is a classic example of not seeing past one's nose.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاو آنقدر خودخواه است که هیچوقت فراتر از ________ را نمیبیند.
The idiom specifically uses 'nok-e damagh' (tip of the nose).
کدام گزینه در مورد کسی است که 'از نوک دماغش فراتر را نمیبیند'؟
The idiom refers to a lack of foresight and focus on immediate gains.
علی: 'چرا سهراب تمام پولش را در یک روز خرج کرد؟' مریم: 'چون او آدم کوتهبینی است و ...'
This fits the context of criticizing someone's lack of financial planning.
In which situation is this idiom most appropriate?
Ignoring long-term issues like climate change is a classic example of not seeing past one's nose.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is critical, but not vulgar. It's like calling someone 'short-sighted' in English. Use it with caution around people you respect.
You can, but it sounds very formal and loses the idiomatic 'flavor'. 'Damagh' is the standard word for this specific phrase.
Yes, very often in editorials, blogs, and literature to criticize social or political trends.
The opposite is being 'Dour-andish' (far-thinking) or 'Dor-bin' (far-sighted).
Not necessarily stupid, but rather 'narrow-minded' or 'selfish'. It's about a lack of perspective, not IQ.
Related Phrases
کوتهبین
synonymShort-sighted
پیش پای خود را دیدن
similarTo see only what is in front of one's feet
دوراندیش
contrastFar-sighted / Visionary
ظاهربین
similarSuperficial
