به شتر گفتند چرا گردنت کجه؟ گفت: کجایم راسته؟
bh shtr gftnd chra grdnt kgh gft kgaym rasth
Camel's crooked neck - acknowledging flaws
Meaning
When someone points out a minor flaw, the person responds by highlighting their many other imperfections, implying it's not worth mentioning.
Cultural Background
The camel is a frequent character in Persian proverbs, often representing patience, strength, or, as in this case, a naturally 'imperfect' or 'clumsy' appearance that masks utility. In many desert cultures, the camel's anatomy is a source of wonder and humor. While the Persian version focuses on 'crookedness,' other regional versions focus on the hump or the feet. The concept of 'Kaj' (crooked) vs 'Rāst' (straight/true) is a major theme in Sufi poetry. Sometimes 'crooked' is seen as beautiful or natural, while 'straight' is seen as rigid. This proverb is a 'meme' in itself. It's used in comments sections whenever a minor government official makes a small mistake while larger issues are happening.
The 'Shrug' Factor
When saying this, a physical shrug or a slight tilt of the head makes it much more authentic.
Don't be too rude
Only use this with people you are comfortable with. It can sound very dismissive to a stranger.
Meaning
When someone points out a minor flaw, the person responds by highlighting their many other imperfections, implying it's not worth mentioning.
The 'Shrug' Factor
When saying this, a physical shrug or a slight tilt of the head makes it much more authentic.
Don't be too rude
Only use this with people you are comfortable with. It can sound very dismissive to a stranger.
The 'Rāst' Pun
Remember that 'Rāst' also means 'Truth'. You are subtly saying 'Where is the truth in me?'
Test Yourself
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Be shotor goftand...?'
A manager complains about a 1-cent discrepancy in a company that just lost 10 million dollars.
The proverb highlights the absurdity of focusing on a tiny flaw (1 cent) in a massive failure (10 million dollars).
Complete the proverb.
به شتر گفتند چرا گردنت کجه؟ گفت: ________ راسته؟
'Kojāyam' means 'Which part of me'.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate response.
دوست: چرا پیرهنت چروکه؟ من: تو این بارون که کل هیکلم خیس شده، ...
The speaker is wet and messy, so a wrinkled shirt is the least of their problems.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesA manager complains about a 1-cent discrepancy in a company that just lost 10 million dollars.
The proverb highlights the absurdity of focusing on a tiny flaw (1 cent) in a massive failure (10 million dollars).
به شتر گفتند چرا گردنت کجه؟ گفت: ________ راسته؟
'Kojāyam' means 'Which part of me'.
دوست: چرا پیرهنت چروکه؟ من: تو این بارون که کل هیکلم خیس شده، ...
The speaker is wet and messy, so a wrinkled shirt is the least of their problems.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it is purely secular folk wisdom, though it appears in some moralistic literature.
Yes, if someone is known to be generally unreliable, you can use it to say one more lie doesn't surprise you.
به شتر گفتند چرا گردنت کج است؟ گفت: کدام اندام من راست است؟ (Rarely used in speech).
Related Phrases
شتر دیدی ندیدی
similarYou saw the camel, no you didn't (Keep a secret).
خشت اول چون نهد معمار کج / تا ثریا میرود دیوار کج
builds onIf the first brick is laid crooked, the wall will be crooked to the heavens.
گل بود به سبزه نیز آراسته شد
contrastIt was a flower, and now it's adorned with grass (Sarcastic: things were bad, now they're worse).
آفتابه لگن هفت دست، شام و ناهار هیچی
similarSeven sets of hand-washing basins, but no lunch or dinner.
