کار هر بز نیست خرمن کوفتن، گاو نر میخواهد و مرد کهن
Kar-e har boz nist kharman kuftan, gav-e nar mikhahad o mard-e kohan
Not every goat's job to thresh, needs an ox and old man
Meaning
Not everyone is capable of every task; some jobs require specific skills and experience.
Cultural Background
The proverb reflects the historical reality of Iranian villages where the 'Kharman' (threshing floor) was the center of community life during harvest season. The concept of 'Mard-e Kohan' is found in the works of poets like Saadi and Rumi, who often praised the wisdom of the elderly over the impulsiveness of the young. In modern Tehran offices, this phrase is often used to justify why a 'Senior' developer or manager is needed for a specific task, maintaining the traditional hierarchy. This proverb is equally popular in Dari and Tajik Persian, showing the shared agricultural and linguistic heritage of the Persian-speaking world.
Shorten it for impact
In casual conversation, just say 'Kār-e har boz nist' and stop. Everyone will know the rest.
Don't be rude
Using this to a superior is very risky. It's best used by someone with more experience toward someone with less.
Meaning
Not everyone is capable of every task; some jobs require specific skills and experience.
Shorten it for impact
In casual conversation, just say 'Kār-e har boz nist' and stop. Everyone will know the rest.
Don't be rude
Using this to a superior is very risky. It's best used by someone with more experience toward someone with less.
Test Yourself
Which animal in the proverb represents the strength needed for the task?
در ضربالمثل، کدام حیوان نماد قدرت است؟
The proverb specifically mentions 'Gāv-e nar' (male bull) as the requirement for threshing.
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
کار هر بز نیست خرمن کوفتن، گاو نر میخواهد و مرد _______.
'Kohan' means ancient or experienced, which is the traditional ending of the proverb.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
کدام موقعیت برای استفاده از این ضربالمثل مناسب است؟
The proverb is used when a difficult task requires significant experience.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Goat vs. Bull in the Proverb
Practice Bank
3 exercisesدر ضربالمثل، کدام حیوان نماد قدرت است؟
The proverb specifically mentions 'Gāv-e nar' (male bull) as the requirement for threshing.
کار هر بز نیست خرمن کوفتن، گاو نر میخواهد و مرد _______.
'Kohan' means ancient or experienced, which is the traditional ending of the proverb.
کدام موقعیت برای استفاده از این ضربالمثل مناسب است؟
The proverb is used when a difficult task requires significant experience.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsWhile it uses the word 'mard', in Persian proverbs, 'mard' often historically referred to 'person' or 'human' in a general sense of 'brave/capable person'. However, in modern contexts, some might prefer more gender-neutral language, though the proverb remains unchanged as a literary artifact.
Yes! If someone tries to play a very difficult piece on the piano without practice, you can say it.
It's a large pile of harvested wheat or grain that needs to be processed.
Related Phrases
این کاره نیست
similarHe/she is not the right person for this job.
دود از کنده بلند میشود
builds onSmoke comes from the old log (meaning: old people still have power/skill).
هر کسی را بهر کاری ساختند
similarEveryone was made for a specific task.
