Meaning
To humble or reduce someone's arrogance, pride, or influence.
Cultural Background
In Iran, public displays of ego are often met with subtle or direct social correction. This idiom is a primary tool for that correction. Classical poets like Saadi often used animal metaphors to teach moral lessons about humility. The 'tail' often represents the 'nafs' (ego). In 'tough guy' (Jaheli) films or modern dramas about class struggle, this phrase is used to signal a shift in power. Iranian newspapers often use this idiom in headlines to describe the government's crackdown on corruption or illegal markets.
Use with 'Dom dar-avardan'
The most natural way to use this is to first mention they 'grew a tail' and then say you 'clipped it'. Example: 'خیلی دم درآورده بود، دمش رو چیدم.'
Don't use with elders
Even if an elder is being arrogant, using this phrase about them is considered very disrespectful (bi-adabi).
Meaning
To humble or reduce someone's arrogance, pride, or influence.
Use with 'Dom dar-avardan'
The most natural way to use this is to first mention they 'grew a tail' and then say you 'clipped it'. Example: 'خیلی دم درآورده بود، دمش رو چیدم.'
Don't use with elders
Even if an elder is being arrogant, using this phrase about them is considered very disrespectful (bi-adabi).
The 'Scissors' Gesture
Sometimes Iranians make a scissor motion with their fingers while saying this to emphasize the 'clipping' action.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'chidan'.
او خیلی مغرور شده بود، برای همین برادرش دمش را ______.
The sentence is in the past tense ('shode bud'), so we need the 3rd person singular past tense 'chid'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'دُم کسی را چیدن'?
کدام موقعیت برای استفاده از این اصطلاح مناسب است؟
The idiom is used for humbling someone who is showing off (poz dadan).
Match the idiom with its meaning.
Match the following:
These are three related 'tail' idioms with distinct meanings.
Complete the dialogue.
علی: 'نیما خیلی در کارهای من دخالت میکنه.' سارا: 'نگران نباش، رئیس بالاخره ______.'
The context of interference (dekhalat) suggests the need to humble or stop the person.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاو خیلی مغرور شده بود، برای همین برادرش دمش را ______.
The sentence is in the past tense ('shode bud'), so we need the 3rd person singular past tense 'chid'.
کدام موقعیت برای استفاده از این اصطلاح مناسب است؟
The idiom is used for humbling someone who is showing off (poz dadan).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are three related 'tail' idioms with distinct meanings.
علی: 'نیما خیلی در کارهای من دخالت میکنه.' سارا: 'نگران نباش، رئیس بالاخره ______.'
The context of interference (dekhalat) suggests the need to humble or stop the person.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not 'curse-word' rude, but it is aggressive. It's best used when complaining to a third party rather than saying it directly to the person.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. It applies to anyone with an ego.
There isn't a direct single idiom, but 'رو دادن' (Ro dadan - giving someone face/spoiling them) is the action that leads to them needing their tail clipped.
Absolutely not. It's too informal and implies conflict.
Literally, yes. But in 99% of cases, it's used figuratively for people.
دمت را میچینم (Domet rā michinam). Use this only if you are ready for a fight!
Yes, many modern and classical poems use it to describe the fall of the arrogant.
'Shakh shekastan' (breaking horns) is for someone being a bully; 'dom chidan' is for someone being a show-off or meddler.
Yes, parents often use it playfully or sternly for a child who is being 'too much'.
Yes, it's the standard word for picking flowers (gol chidan) or setting a table (miz chidan).
Related Phrases
دم درآوردن
builds onTo grow a tail; to become bold or arrogant.
شاخ کسی را شکستن
synonymTo break someone's horns.
پر و بال کسی را چیدن
similarTo clip someone's wings.
گربه را دم حجله کشتن
specialized formTo kill the cat at the bridal chamber.
