Meaning
To not expect something to happen; to have no hope.
Cultural Background
In Iranian culture, expressing doubt is often a way to avoid 'Cheshm Zadan' (the Evil Eye). By not being too optimistic, one avoids attracting bad luck. In Tehran, the phrase is often shortened in fast speech to 'Cheshmam āb nemikhore,' with a very soft 'kh' sound. Using this phrase in a meeting can be a polite way to say 'Your proposal is unrealistic' without calling the other person a liar.
Use the Suffix
Always attach the possessive suffix (-am, -et, etc.) to 'Cheshm' to sound like a native.
Don't use for Thirst
If you are actually thirsty, say 'Teshne-am.' Never use this idiom for physical thirst.
Meaning
To not expect something to happen; to have no hope.
Use the Suffix
Always attach the possessive suffix (-am, -et, etc.) to 'Cheshm' to sound like a native.
Don't use for Thirst
If you are actually thirsty, say 'Teshne-am.' Never use this idiom for physical thirst.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
علی میگوید فردا به ما کمک میکند، اما _________ (my eye doesn't drink water).
Since the speaker is expressing their own doubt, 'cheshmam' (my eye) is the correct form.
Which sentence best expresses skepticism about a project's success?
کدام جمله نشاندهنده شک و تردید است؟
The negative form 'nakhordan' is the only one that correctly conveys doubt.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: فکر میکنی هوا آفتابی بشه؟ نیما: با این ابرهای سیاه، _________.
The presence of 'black clouds' makes skepticism the logical response.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesعلی میگوید فردا به ما کمک میکند، اما _________ (my eye doesn't drink water).
Since the speaker is expressing their own doubt, 'cheshmam' (my eye) is the correct form.
کدام جمله نشاندهنده شک و تردید است؟
The negative form 'nakhordan' is the only one that correctly conveys doubt.
سارا: فکر میکنی هوا آفتابی بشه؟ نیما: با این ابرهای سیاه، _________.
The presence of 'black clouds' makes skepticism the logical response.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds very strange. It's almost 100% used in the negative to express doubt.
It's not rude, but it is very direct. Use it with friends or colleagues you know well.
Related Phrases
بعید بودن
synonymTo be unlikely
دل خوش کردن
similarTo pin hopes on something
خیال بافی کردن
contrastTo daydream/fantasize
