Meaning
To scold or punish someone harshly.
Cultural Background
Hyperbole is a cornerstone of Persian communication. Using violent imagery like 'skinning' or 'killing' is rarely a literal threat and more of an emotional barometer. In Tehran, the 'ra' is almost always dropped in favor of the 'o' suffix on the noun. 'Pust-eto mikanam' is much more common than 'Pust-e to ra mikanam'. The idiom is also used in Afghanistan, though sometimes 'Pust-e kasi ra kashidan' (to pull someone's skin) is heard as a variation. Iranian workplaces can be hierarchical. This phrase is often used by subordinates (behind the boss's back) to bond over the shared hardship of a demanding environment.
Use it for empathy
When a friend complains about a hard task, say 'Vay, pustet kande shod!' (Wow, your skin was peeled!) to show you understand their struggle.
Don't be literal
Never use this in a medical or biological context unless you are actually talking about skinning an animal.
Meaning
To scold or punish someone harshly.
Use it for empathy
When a friend complains about a hard task, say 'Vay, pustet kande shod!' (Wow, your skin was peeled!) to show you understand their struggle.
Don't be literal
Never use this in a medical or biological context unless you are actually talking about skinning an animal.
The 'Head' variation
Add 'az kalle' (from the head) to sound more like a native speaker when you're really frustrated: 'Pust az kalle-sh mikanam!'
Parental usage
If you hear an Iranian parent say this to a child, don't call the police! It's a very common, non-literal way of saying 'You're in trouble.'
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'kandan'.
اگر مشقهایت را ننویسی، معلم پوستت را ........ .
The idiom requires the verb 'kandan' (to peel/skin).
What does this sentence mean? 'رئیس پوست ما را کنده است.'
رئیس پوست ما را کنده است.
In a work context, this idiom refers to being overworked or harshly managed.
Choose the best response for Sarah.
Ali: I accidentally deleted the company's database! Sarah: Oh no! ........
This is the standard way to warn someone of a severe scolding.
Match the idiom to the situation.
Which situation best fits 'پوست کسی را کندن'?
The idiom fits situations of harsh discipline or extreme physical/mental labor.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاگر مشقهایت را ننویسی، معلم پوستت را ........ .
The idiom requires the verb 'kandan' (to peel/skin).
رئیس پوست ما را کنده است.
In a work context, this idiom refers to being overworked or harshly managed.
Ali: I accidentally deleted the company's database! Sarah: Oh no! ........
This is the standard way to warn someone of a severe scolding.
Which situation best fits 'پوست کسی را کندن'?
The idiom fits situations of harsh discipline or extreme physical/mental labor.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not offensive, but it is very informal. It's similar to saying 'I'll kill him' in English when you're annoyed.
Only if you have a very close, joking relationship. Otherwise, it's better to use more formal language.
The past tense is 'Pust-ash ra kand' (He/she skinned him/her).
The polite way to say someone was scolded is 'مورد توبیخ قرار گرفتن'.
No, it can also mean making someone work very hard or exhausting them.
You say 'Pustam kande shod' (پوستم کنده شد).
It appears in modern novels and plays to reflect realistic, colloquial speech.
No, it's strictly for people (or animals in a literal sense).
'Damar' is more intense and implies a longer period of suffering or total ruin.
Yes, it is a universal Persian idiom used across all provinces.
Related Phrases
دمار از روزگار کسی درآوردن
synonymTo make someone's life miserable
پوست انداختن
similarTo undergo a great hardship or transformation
چشم کسی را دور دیدن
builds onTo take advantage of someone's absence
گوش کسی را کشیدن
specialized formTo pull someone's ear (mild scolding)
