باد کاشتن و طوفان درو کردن
baad kashtan va toofan daro kardan
To sow wind and reap storm
Meaning
Means that minor negative actions or decisions can lead to much larger, more severe consequences.
Cultural Background
In Iran, proverbs are a sign of education and 'Adab' (culture). Using this proverb in a disagreement can actually de-escalate the tension by making the argument more 'literary' and less personal. The phrase is equally common in Afghanistan. It is often used in political contexts to describe the fallout of foreign interventions. Tajik speakers use this proverb, often emphasizing the 'Dero' (reaping) part as a symbol of the inevitable future. Second-generation Iranians in the West often learn this phrase from their parents as a way to stay connected to Persian moral values of integrity.
Use it in Writing
If you use this in a Persian writing exam, you will immediately get higher marks for 'literary awareness'.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep it simple. Use the past tense 'کاشت و درو کرد' for stories, or the present 'میکارد و درو میکند' for general truths.
Meaning
Means that minor negative actions or decisions can lead to much larger, more severe consequences.
Use it in Writing
If you use this in a Persian writing exam, you will immediately get higher marks for 'literary awareness'.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep it simple. Use the past tense 'کاشت و درو کرد' for stories, or the present 'میکارد و درو میکند' for general truths.
The 'Ta'arof' Factor
Using this is a polite way to tell someone they are being an idiot without using the word 'idiot'.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
کسی که باد میکارد، ________ درو میکند.
The proverb specifically contrasts 'wind' with 'storm' (طوفان).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Ali lied to his boss about his skills. Now he has to do a task he doesn't understand and might get fired.
Ali's small lie (wind) led to a big threat to his job (storm).
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'I've been skipping all my classes this month.' Speaker B: '_________________'
Speaker B is warning Speaker A about the negative consequences of skipping class.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesکسی که باد میکارد، ________ درو میکند.
The proverb specifically contrasts 'wind' with 'storm' (طوفان).
Ali lied to his boss about his skills. Now he has to do a task he doesn't understand and might get fired.
Ali's small lie (wind) led to a big threat to his job (storm).
Speaker A: 'I've been skipping all my classes this month.' Speaker B: '_________________'
Speaker B is warning Speaker A about the negative consequences of skipping class.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt has biblical origins, but in modern Persian, it is 100% secular and used by everyone regardless of religion.
No, the 'storm' implies a very large, often life-changing or serious problem.
Only if you are describing a third party. Don't tell your boss 'You are sowing the wind' unless you want to reap the storm of being fired!
There isn't a direct 'positive' version with wind/storm, but 'پایان شب سیه سپید است' (The end of a dark night is white/bright) is a positive proverb about consequences.
Related Phrases
هر چه بکاری همان را درو میکنی
similarWhatever you sow, you shall reap.
خود کرده را تدبیر نیست
similarThere is no remedy for what you have done to yourself.
چاه مکن بهر کسی، اول خودت، دوم کسی
similarDon't dig a well for others, or you'll fall in it first.
از ماست که بر ماست
similarWhat happens to us comes from ourselves.
