Meaning
To annoy or provoke someone. To upset someone by saying or doing something wrong.
Cultural Background
In Iran, direct confrontation is often avoided in favor of metaphors. This idiom allows someone to express anger without being overly literal or 'ugly' in their speech. Classical Persian poetry often uses animal metaphors to describe human traits. The 'tail' is seen as a symbol of one's reach or influence. In modern Tehran, this idiom is very common among youth as a way to set boundaries in a cool, slightly tough way.
Use it for boundaries
This is the best phrase to use when someone is teasing you and you want them to stop without being too aggressive.
Mind the verb
Always remember to conjugate 'gozāshtan'. For 'you put', it's 'gozāshti'; for 'don't put', it's 'nagozār'.
Meaning
To annoy or provoke someone. To upset someone by saying or doing something wrong.
Use it for boundaries
This is the best phrase to use when someone is teasing you and you want them to stop without being too aggressive.
Mind the verb
Always remember to conjugate 'gozāshtan'. For 'you put', it's 'gozāshti'; for 'don't put', it's 'nagozār'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
چرا پا روی ___ من میگذاری؟
The idiom specifically uses 'dom' (tail).
Which sentence is the correct idiom?
To warn someone not to annoy you, you say:
The verb 'gozāshtan' (to put) is used in the negative imperative 'nagozār'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Your friend is telling your secrets to everyone.
This is a provocation that warrants the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: من میخواهم با تو دعوا کنم. B: مواظب باش، ___.
It fits the warning context of the dialogue.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesچرا پا روی ___ من میگذاری؟
The idiom specifically uses 'dom' (tail).
To warn someone not to annoy you, you say:
The verb 'gozāshtan' (to put) is used in the negative imperative 'nagozār'.
Your friend is telling your secrets to everyone.
This is a provocation that warrants the idiom.
A: من میخواهم با تو دعوا کنم. B: مواظب باش، ___.
It fits the warning context of the dialogue.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIt's informal and can be confrontational, but it's not 'curse-word' rude. It's a firm way to set a boundary.
Yes, literally it means stepping on a tail. But people will usually assume you mean it figuratively unless there's a cat nearby!
There isn't a direct formal idiom. You would use 'M مزاحم نشوید' (Don't bother me) or 'اذیت نکنید'.
Related Phrases
با دم شیر بازی کردن
specialized formTo play with a lion's tail.
دم به تله دادن
similarTo get caught in a trap.
موش دواندن
similarTo create trouble or sabotage.
