نمک خوردن و نمکدان شکستن
namak khordan o namakdan shekastan
To bite the hand that feeds you
Meaning
To act disloyally or ungratefully towards someone who has helped or supported you.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Namak-gir' (being caught by the salt) means you have eaten someone's food and are now morally unable to harm them. It is a powerful social deterrent against betrayal. In Dari Persian, the phrase is equally common and carries the same weight. Hospitality (Mehmannawazi) is a pillar of Afghan culture, making this betrayal particularly heinous. Tajik Persian preserves many classical idioms. The 'salt bond' is often mentioned in Tajik folklore as a test of a hero's character. Second-generation Iranians often use this phrase to describe people who benefit from the community's help but then distance themselves or look down on their heritage.
Use the adjective
If you want to describe the person rather than the action, use 'Namak-nashnas' (نمکنشناس).
It's a heavy accusation
Only use this when you are seriously hurt or criticizing a major betrayal. It's not for light jokes.
Meaning
To act disloyally or ungratefully towards someone who has helped or supported you.
Use the adjective
If you want to describe the person rather than the action, use 'Namak-nashnas' (نمکنشناس).
It's a heavy accusation
Only use this when you are seriously hurt or criticizing a major betrayal. It's not for light jokes.
The 'Bread' connection
You can also say 'Nan-o-namak khordan' (eating bread and salt) to emphasize the bond even more.
Ta'arof and Salt
Sometimes people use this idiom to remind others of the rules of Ta'arof (social etiquette) and mutual respect.
Test Yourself
Complete the idiom with the correct word.
او نمک خورد و ....... شکست.
The idiom specifically uses 'saltshaker' (نمکدان).
Which situation best describes 'نمک خوردن و نمکدان شکستن'?
کدام گزینه مصداق این ضربالمثل است؟
This involves receiving a favor and then committing a serious betrayal.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate form of the idiom.
علی: 'شنیدی که کامران به شرکت رقیب رفته و اسرار ما رو لو داده؟' رضا: 'بله، واقعاً که او .......'
This is a classic case of professional betrayal after being supported.
Match the Persian term with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the idiom's meaning.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Salt Idioms
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاو نمک خورد و ....... شکست.
The idiom specifically uses 'saltshaker' (نمکدان).
کدام گزینه مصداق این ضربالمثل است؟
This involves receiving a favor and then committing a serious betrayal.
علی: 'شنیدی که کامران به شرکت رقیب رفته و اسرار ما رو لو داده؟' رضا: 'بله، واقعاً که او .......'
This is a classic case of professional betrayal after being supported.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core components of the idiom's meaning.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very common on social media and in modern TV dramas to describe betrayal.
Yes, you can say a company 'ate the salt and broke the shaker' if they betrayed a loyal partner or the community.
The opposite would be 'حقشناس' (Hagh-shenas) or 'قدردان' (Ghadrdan), meaning someone who recognizes and appreciates favors.
No, 'eating salt' is entirely metaphorical for receiving any kind of help, money, or support.
It's neutral. You can use it in a newspaper article or a conversation with a friend.
The saltshaker represents the source of the hospitality. Breaking it means you are destroying the possibility of future friendship.
Only if you are discussing ethics or a past experience of betrayal, but be careful as it is a strong emotional phrase.
Yes, just calling someone 'Namak-nashnas' (ungrateful) is the most common short version.
No, that is a different idiom in Persian: 'Namak pashidan rooye zakhm'.
While it has moral overtones, it is a cultural/secular idiom, not a religious one.
Related Phrases
نمکنشناس
similarUngrateful
دستش نمک ندارد
contrastHis/her hand has no salt
نمکگیر شدن
builds onTo be bound by a favor
نانکور
synonymBlind to the bread (ungrateful)
حقناشناس
similarOne who doesn't recognize rights/debts
