A1 Idiom Informal

پا در آوردن

pa dar avardan

To grow legs / become mobile

Meaning

Used humorously for something that unexpectedly moves or disappears.

🌍

Cultural Background

In Iranian homes, things are often moved by mothers or spouses during cleaning ('khaneh-tekani'). This idiom is a playful way to complain about things being moved without accusing anyone directly. Shopkeepers might use this if a tool or a small piece of inventory goes missing in the chaos of the market.

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Use 'Angār'

Always add 'Angār' (It's as if) before the phrase to make it sound more natural.

⚠️

Singular vs Plural

If the object is plural (like keys), make sure the verb is plural: 'Pā dar āvorde-and'.

Meaning

Used humorously for something that unexpectedly moves or disappears.

💡

Use 'Angār'

Always add 'Angār' (It's as if) before the phrase to make it sound more natural.

⚠️

Singular vs Plural

If the object is plural (like keys), make sure the verb is plural: 'Pā dar āvorde-and'.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.

کتاب من همین‌جا بود، انگار پا ___ آورد.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در

The compound verb is 'پا در آوردن'.

In which situation is this idiom appropriate?

Which scenario fits 'پا در آوردن'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A lost earring

It is used for small objects that are misplaced.

Choose the best response.

A: عینک من کو؟ B: ________

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: انگار پا در آورده!

This is a natural response to someone losing their glasses.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Common Objects that 'Grow Legs'

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Household

  • Keys
  • Remote
  • Socks
  • Glasses

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom. Fill Blank A1

کتاب من همین‌جا بود، انگار پا ___ آورد.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در

The compound verb is 'پا در آوردن'.

In which situation is this idiom appropriate? situation_matching A1

Which scenario fits 'پا در آوردن'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A lost earring

It is used for small objects that are misplaced.

Choose the best response. dialogue_completion A2

A: عینک من کو؟ B: ________

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: انگار پا در آورده!

This is a natural response to someone losing their glasses.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

No, it's only for inanimate objects. For a person, just say 'raft' (he/she left).

Not at all. It's very friendly and lighthearted.

Rarely. It's mostly a spoken idiom.

Related Phrases

🔄

غیب شدن

synonym

To vanish

🔗

آب شدن و توی زمین رفتن

similar

To melt and go into the ground

🔗

پا گرفتن

contrast

To take root / To start walking

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