Meaning
Someone is deeply involved in a situation and facing severe consequences.
Cultural Background
The 'Ma'rekeh' was a vital part of Iranian social life for centuries. It wasn't just entertainment; it was where news was shared and social hierarchies were displayed. In the Grand Bazaar, this idiom is still used by merchants to describe a shop that is going bankrupt or losing customers to a rival. Modern youth use this idiom ironically on social media to describe 'fails' in video games or dating. The word 'Ma'rekeh' comes from the Arabic word for 'battlefield,' but in Persian, it softened to mean a street performance arena.
Use the Suffix
Always remember to change the suffix on 'Kolah' to match who you are talking about. Kolah-am, Kolah-et, Kolah-esh!
Not for Funerals
Even though it means 'trouble,' it's too casual for very sad or formal events. Use 'dar vaz'iyat-e badi hastand' instead.
Meaning
Someone is deeply involved in a situation and facing severe consequences.
Use the Suffix
Always remember to change the suffix on 'Kolah' to match who you are talking about. Kolah-am, Kolah-et, Kolah-esh!
Not for Funerals
Even though it means 'trouble,' it's too casual for very sad or formal events. Use 'dar vaz'iyat-e badi hastand' instead.
The 'Toast' Equivalent
If you want to say 'I'm toast' in Persian, 'Kolah-am pas-e ma'rekeh-st' is your best friend.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
اگر علی دیر برسد، کلاهـ... پس معرکه است.
Since the subject is 'Ali' (3rd person singular), we need the suffix '-ash' (ـش).
Which situation best fits the idiom 'Kolah-et pas-e ma'rekeh-st'?
Your friend just...
The idiom is used for trouble or losing an opportunity, like missing a flight.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: بنزین تموم کردیم و وسط بیابون هستیم! B: ....................
Being stuck in the desert without gas is a classic 'Kolah-eman pas-e ma'rekeh' situation.
Match the person to the reason their 'hat is behind the arena.'
Match: 1. A student who didn't study. 2. A company with old tech. 3. A runner who tripped.
All three are different nuances of the idiom: failure, competitive disadvantage, and physical lagging.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاگر علی دیر برسد، کلاهـ... پس معرکه است.
Since the subject is 'Ali' (3rd person singular), we need the suffix '-ash' (ـش).
Your friend just...
The idiom is used for trouble or losing an opportunity, like missing a flight.
A: بنزین تموم کردیم و وسط بیابون هستیم! B: ....................
Being stuck in the desert without gas is a classic 'Kolah-eman pas-e ma'rekeh' situation.
Match: 1. A student who didn't study. 2. A company with old tech. 3. A runner who tripped.
All three are different nuances of the idiom: failure, competitive disadvantage, and physical lagging.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is informal. You can use it with friends and colleagues.
Yes! Even though 'Kolah' was historically a male accessory, the idiom is gender-neutral today.
It's a circle of people watching a street performance. Think of it like a 'ring' or 'arena.'
The formal equivalent would be 'در وضعیت وخیمی قرار داشتن' (to be in a critical situation).
Yes, using 'shod' (became) implies that your situation just turned bad.
Not as much as they used to, but the idiom survives because the image is so strong.
Usually, it's for people or organizations. For a broken phone, just say 'kharab shode'.
In this context, it means 'behind' or 'at the back of.'
Very! You'll hear it in almost every Iranian comedy or drama when a character gets into trouble.
No, we don't use it for animals unless you're being very humorous/personifying them.
Related Phrases
کلاه خود را قاضی کردن
similarTo judge for oneself / To be fair
کلاه سر کسی گذاشتن
similarTo trick someone
دست از پا درازتر
builds onTo return empty-handed
کار از کار گذشتن
similarIt's too late
