Meaning
Appearances can be deceiving; not everything that looks good is good.
Cultural Background
In the traditional bazaar, 'Zereshgi' (cleverness) is valued. Merchants and buyers both use proverbs like this to signal that they are not 'naive' (sade-lowh). The contrast between 'Zahir' (outer) and 'Batin' (inner) is a major theme in Sufi poetry. This proverb is the 'street version' of high-level mystical teachings. Parents use this proverb to teach children 'Ehtiyat' (caution). It's part of a social education that emphasizes skepticism over blind trust. With the rise of 'fake news' and online scams in Iran, this proverb has seen a massive resurgence on social media platforms like Telegram and Instagram.
The 'Wise' Pause
When saying this, pause for a half-second after 'gerdi'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker delivering a piece of wisdom.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every small thing, you'll sound like a grumpy old man. Save it for moments of genuine skepticism.
Meaning
Appearances can be deceiving; not everything that looks good is good.
The 'Wise' Pause
When saying this, pause for a half-second after 'gerdi'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker delivering a piece of wisdom.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every small thing, you'll sound like a grumpy old man. Save it for moments of genuine skepticism.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
هر گردی، _______ نیست.
The proverb specifically uses 'Gerdu' (walnut) as the valuable object.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Har gerdi, gerdu nist'?
A friend wants to buy a cheap phone that looks like a luxury brand.
This is a classic case of appearances being deceptive.
Choose the best response for Sara.
Ali: 'This guy on Instagram says he can make me a millionaire in one week!' Sara: '_________'
Sara is warning Ali about a potential scam.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Zahir vs. Batin
Practice Bank
3 exercisesهر گردی، _______ نیست.
The proverb specifically uses 'Gerdu' (walnut) as the valuable object.
A friend wants to buy a cheap phone that looks like a luxury brand.
This is a classic case of appearances being deceptive.
Ali: 'This guy on Instagram says he can make me a millionaire in one week!' Sara: '_________'
Sara is warning Ali about a potential scam.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, absolutely! It's very common in texting and social media to call out 'fake' things.
Yes, it's very common to use it when someone's personality doesn't match their good looks or polite behavior.
It's the indefinite marker, meaning 'any round thing' or 'a round thing'.
Related Phrases
هر درخشی طلا نیست
synonymNot all that glitters is gold.
گول ظاهر را نخور
similarDon't be fooled by appearances.
فلفل نبین چه ریزه، بشکن ببین چه تیزه
contrastDon't look at how small the pepper is; break it and see how hot it is.
