Meaning
To prepare oneself for hard work or a challenging task.
Cultural Background
The idiom reflects the historical transition from the 'Givah' (traditional shoe) to modern footwear. Even though few people wear Givahs today, the phrase remains a staple of the language. In Tehran's fast-paced business culture, this phrase is often used in startups to describe the 'hustle' required to succeed. In farming communities, 'pulling up the heel' is a literal daily action before heading to the fields, making the idiom feel very grounded and real. Classical poets used 'bar keshidan' (the formal version) to describe heroes preparing for battle in the Shahnameh.
Use it to sound like a local
Using 'var' instead of 'bar' is a huge marker of natural, conversational Persian.
Don't use it for small things
If you say you're 'pulling up your heels' to check your email, people will think you're being sarcastic.
Meaning
To prepare oneself for hard work or a challenging task.
Use it to sound like a local
Using 'var' instead of 'bar' is a huge marker of natural, conversational Persian.
Don't use it for small things
If you say you're 'pulling up your heels' to check your email, people will think you're being sarcastic.
The 'Luti' connection
Using this phrase carries a subtext of being a 'man of action' (Luti), which is highly respected in traditional Iranian circles.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing part of the idiom.
برای موفقیت در امتحان، باید پاشنه _______ بکشی.
The correct prefix for this idiom is 'ور' (var).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
کدام جمله درست است؟
The idiom means preparing for hard work, not sleeping, running away, or taking off shoes.
Match the idiom with its meaning.
Match the following:
All these phrases are related to preparation and starting work.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
علی: 'کارهای شرکت خیلی زیاد شده.' رضا: 'آره، باید از فردا _______.'
The sentence requires the subjunctive form 'bekeshim' after 'bayad' (must).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبرای موفقیت در امتحان، باید پاشنه _______ بکشی.
The correct prefix for this idiom is 'ور' (var).
کدام جمله درست است؟
The idiom means preparing for hard work, not sleeping, running away, or taking off shoes.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All these phrases are related to preparation and starting work.
علی: 'کارهای شرکت خیلی زیاد شده.' رضا: 'آره، باید از فردا _______.'
The sentence requires the subjunctive form 'bekeshim' after 'bayad' (must).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is used for mental, academic, and emotional challenges as well.
It's better to use 'کمر همت بستن' or 'آماده شدن' in very formal emails, but it's okay for internal office communication.
'Var' is the colloquial version of the prefix 'bar'. In this idiom, 'var' is much more common.
No, both men and women use it equally.
Not exactly. It means 'get ready for hard work', which might include hurrying, but the focus is on the effort.
Yes, you can say 'Pashne var bekesh!' (Pull up your heels!) to motivate someone.
No, that is a Greek myth. This is based on Iranian footwear.
You say 'Pashne var keshide-am' (I have pulled up my heels).
Yes, it is one of the top 500 most useful idioms in Persian.
Yes, 'Pashne var nakeshid' means someone didn't put in the effort.
Related Phrases
آستین بالا زدن
synonymTo roll up one's sleeves.
کمر همت بستن
synonymTo gird the loins of ambition.
یا علی گفتن
similarTo say 'Ya Ali' (to start something).
دست به کار شدن
builds onTo get to work.
