Meaning
To become resentful or hold a grudge.
Cultural Background
Because Iranians value 'keeping face,' a person might act friendly while being 'del-cherkin' inside. This is why 'del-juyi' (clearing the heart) is a vital social ritual. Classical poets like Hafez often speak of 'shostan-e del' (washing the heart) to remove the 'cherk' (dirt/resentment) of worldly attachments or grudges. In movies by Asghar Farhadi, characters often suffer from being 'del-cherkin' due to small lies, which eventually leads to the collapse of their families. In large Iranian families, being 'del-cherkin' can last for years, leading to 'ghahr' (not speaking to someone). Elders often step in to 'clear the hearts' of the two parties.
Use it for 'Vibe' shifts
If you liked a restaurant but then saw a cockroach, you are now 'del-cherkin' about that place. It's perfect for describing a total change in opinion.
Don't over-use
It's a heavy phrase. If you use it for everything, you'll sound like a very resentful person!
Meaning
To become resentful or hold a grudge.
Use it for 'Vibe' shifts
If you liked a restaurant but then saw a cockroach, you are now 'del-cherkin' about that place. It's perfect for describing a total change in opinion.
Don't over-use
It's a heavy phrase. If you use it for everything, you'll sound like a very resentful person!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
بعد از اینکه دوستم به من دروغ گفت، واقعاً از او _________ شدم.
While 'del-shekasteh' (broken-hearted) might fit, 'del-cherkin' specifically describes the resentment following a lie.
Which situation best describes being 'del-cherkin'?
کدام موقعیت برای استفاده از این اصطلاح مناسبتر است؟
Betrayal by a close friend is the classic cause of becoming 'del-cherkin'.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: چرا دیگر با علی به کوه نمیروی؟ رامین: _________
Being left alone (betrayal of trust) leads to resentment.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Sadness vs. Resentment
Practice Bank
3 exercisesبعد از اینکه دوستم به من دروغ گفت، واقعاً از او _________ شدم.
While 'del-shekasteh' (broken-hearted) might fit, 'del-cherkin' specifically describes the resentment following a lie.
کدام موقعیت برای استفاده از این اصطلاح مناسبتر است؟
Betrayal by a close friend is the classic cause of becoming 'del-cherkin'.
سارا: چرا دیگر با علی به کوه نمیروی؟ رامین: _________
Being left alone (betrayal of trust) leads to resentment.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIt's a natural feeling, but in Persian culture, it's considered a burden. People usually try to 'clear their heart' (del-shostan) to find peace.
Only if the movie offended your values or felt like a betrayal of the director's talent. Otherwise, just say 'I didn't like it.'
The opposite is 'del-pak' (pure-hearted) or 'del-saf' (clear-hearted).
Related Phrases
دلسرد شدن
similarTo become discouraged or lose interest.
کدورت داشتن
synonymTo have a cloudiness/resentment in the heart.
دلخور شدن
similarTo be annoyed or slightly upset.
صاف کردن دل
contrastTo clear the heart of grudges.
