Meaning
To give someone motivation or a boost to their morale.
Cultural Background
In Iranian wrestling (Koshti), the crowd's rhythmic clapping and chanting are seen as essential 'wind' for the athlete. Without this communal energy, the athlete is thought to lose their 'flag'. Classical poets like Hafez often use 'Bād' (Wind) as a divine messenger. This idiom is a modern, secularized version of that spiritual concept where external forces give life to the soul. In Iranian offices, managers often use this phrase during 'No-Ruz' (New Year) to motivate staff for the coming year, emphasizing collective pride. The role of the 'elder' in a family is often to 'put wind in the flags' of the younger generation, providing the confidence needed to navigate life's challenges.
Use it for others
This idiom sounds most natural when you are talking about what you did for someone else or what they did for you.
The 'Double Chin' Trap
Never use 'ghabghab' (double chin) if you want to be nice. It's a common mistake for learners!
Meaning
To give someone motivation or a boost to their morale.
Use it for others
This idiom sounds most natural when you are talking about what you did for someone else or what they did for you.
The 'Double Chin' Trap
Never use 'ghabghab' (double chin) if you want to be nice. It's a common mistake for learners!
Combine with 'Damet Garm'
If someone motivates you, say: 'Damet garm! Vaghean bad be parchamam andakhti!' (May your breath stay warm! You really put wind in my flag!)
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
وقتی نمرهام بد شد، مادرم با مهربانی ________ به پرچمم ________.
The idiom is 'Bād be parcham andākhtan'.
Which situation best fits this idiom?
In which scenario would you say 'Bād be parchamesh andākht'?
The idiom is about motivation and encouragement.
Match the Persian idiom with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are common Persian idioms involving 'wind' or 'water'.
What is the best response?
Person A: 'من واقعاً ناامیدم.' Person B: '________'
Person B is trying to motivate Person A.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesوقتی نمرهام بد شد، مادرم با مهربانی ________ به پرچمم ________.
The idiom is 'Bād be parcham andākhtan'.
In which scenario would you say 'Bād be parchamesh andākht'?
The idiom is about motivation and encouragement.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common Persian idioms involving 'wind' or 'water'.
Person A: 'من واقعاً ناامیدم.' Person B: '________'
Person B is trying to motivate Person A.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is neutral to informal. You can use it with friends, family, and colleagues, but avoid it in very formal legal documents.
It's better to say 'حرفهای او باد به پرچمم انداخت' (His words put wind in my flag) rather than 'من باد به پرچم خودم انداختم'.
Not always. 'Bād' can also mean arrogance or wasting time, but in this specific idiom, it is positive.
'Tashvigh' is the literal word for encouragement. 'Bād be parcham andākhtan' is the colorful, idiomatic way to say it.
Related Phrases
روحیه دادن
synonymTo give morale
تشویق کردن
similarTo encourage
ذوق کسی را کور کردن
contrastTo kill someone's enthusiasm
پشتگرمی
builds onBack-warmth (support)
