Meaning
To be open-handed and willing to share or give freely to others.
Cultural Background
In Iran, being 'dast o delbāz' is expected of a host. If you are not generous with food and comfort, it is seen as a social failure. Successful merchants in the Bazaar often gain respect not just for their wealth, but for how 'dast o delbāz' they are with their employees and the poor. Persian mysticism (Sufism) emphasizes detaching from material wealth. 'Dast o delbāz' reflects the spiritual ideal of letting go of possessions.
Complimenting a Host
If you are at an Iranian home, saying 'Shomā kheyli dast o delbāz hastid' is a wonderful way to thank them for the food.
Don't overdo it
If you call someone 'dast o delbāz' too many times, they might think you are asking them for money!
Meaning
To be open-handed and willing to share or give freely to others.
Complimenting a Host
If you are at an Iranian home, saying 'Shomā kheyli dast o delbāz hastid' is a wonderful way to thank them for the food.
Don't overdo it
If you call someone 'dast o delbāz' too many times, they might think you are asking them for money!
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
علی همیشه برای دوستانش کادو میخرد، او خیلی ....... است.
Buying gifts for friends is a sign of being 'dast o delbāz'.
Which word is the opposite of 'دست و دلباز'?
متضاد (Opposite) دست و دلباز چیست؟
'Khasis' means stingy, which is the direct opposite of generous.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: 'من تمام پولم را به خیریه دادم.' مریم: 'واقعاً تو خیلی ....... هستی!'
Giving all your money to charity is an act of extreme generosity.
Match the situation to the idiom.
Someone pays for everyone's lunch without being asked.
This is the classic scenario for this idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesعلی همیشه برای دوستانش کادو میخرد، او خیلی ....... است.
Buying gifts for friends is a sign of being 'dast o delbāz'.
متضاد (Opposite) دست و دلباز چیست؟
'Khasis' means stingy, which is the direct opposite of generous.
سارا: 'من تمام پولم را به خیریه دادم.' مریم: 'واقعاً تو خیلی ....... هستی!'
Giving all your money to charity is an act of extreme generosity.
Someone pays for everyone's lunch without being asked.
This is the classic scenario for this idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot really. It specifically implies a 'giving' nature, usually involving material things or significant effort.
It's neutral. You can use it with your friends or in a polite business setting.
The most common opposite is 'Khasis' (stingy).
Related Phrases
خسیس بودن
contrastTo be stingy
ولخرجی کردن
similarTo waste money
لوطیگری
builds onChivalrous generosity
