پایش را از گلیمش درازتر کردن
payash ra az gelimesh deraztar kardan
Overstep one's bounds
Meaning
To exceed one's authority or capability; to be presumptuous.
Cultural Background
The 'Gelim' is a symbol of nomadic and rural life. In Persian culture, knowing the 'size of your rug' is a sign of wisdom and humility. The phrase is also widely used in Dari Persian in Afghanistan with the same meaning, reflecting shared cultural values of respect for elders and hierarchy. In Tajik, the word 'Gelim' is also used, and the idiom remains a staple of moral education in schools. In modern Iranian business, this idiom is a 'red flag.' If you hear it about yourself, it means you have seriously offended someone's sense of hierarchy.
Be Careful with Superiors
Never use this idiom toward someone higher in rank than you; it is considered very rude.
Match the Suffixes
Always ensure the '-ash' or '-at' matches on both 'Pa' and 'Gelim'. It's the mark of a fluent speaker.
Meaning
To exceed one's authority or capability; to be presumptuous.
Be Careful with Superiors
Never use this idiom toward someone higher in rank than you; it is considered very rude.
Match the Suffixes
Always ensure the '-ash' or '-at' matches on both 'Pa' and 'Gelim'. It's the mark of a fluent speaker.
The Positive Version
Use 'Pāyat rā be andāze-ye gelimat derāz kon' to give friendly financial advice.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blanks with the correct possessive suffixes.
من نباید پای... را از گلیم... درازتر کنم.
Since the subject is 'من' (I), the suffixes must be '-am' (م).
Which situation best fits the idiom?
A junior clerk starts telling the CEO how to run the company. What did he do?
The clerk is overstepping his authority, which is the definition of the idiom.
Match the Persian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all related idioms about boundaries.
Complete the dialogue.
احمد: 'من میخواهم به رئیس بگویم که اشتباه میکند.' سارا: 'مراقب باش! پایت را ...'
Sara is warning Ahmad not to overstep his bounds with the boss.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن نباید پای... را از گلیم... درازتر کنم.
Since the subject is 'من' (I), the suffixes must be '-am' (م).
A junior clerk starts telling the CEO how to run the company. What did he do?
The clerk is overstepping his authority, which is the definition of the idiom.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related idioms about boundaries.
احمد: 'من میخواهم به رئیس بگویم که اشتباه میکند.' سارا: 'مراقب باش! پایت را ...'
Sara is warning Ahmad not to overstep his bounds with the boss.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt can be. It implies the person doesn't know their place. Use it with caution.
Yes, to show humility. E.g., 'I don't want to overstep my bounds' (من نمیخواهم پایم را از گلیمم درازتر کنم).
It's a flat-woven rug, different from the piled 'Farsh' (carpet). It's traditionally more humble.
Mostly yes, but it can apply to organizations or countries in political contexts.
You can say 'پاشو از گلیمش درازتر کرده' (Pāsho az gelimesh derāztar karde).
Related Phrases
پا در کفش کسی کردن
similarTo put one's foot in someone else's shoe.
از حد خود گذشتن
synonymTo pass one's limit.
خود را گم کردن
similarTo lose oneself (to become arrogant).
اندازه خود را دانستن
contrastTo know one's size/limit.
