Meaning
To perform an extraordinary or seemingly impossible feat.
Cultural Background
In Iran, the concept of 'Karamat' (miracles of saints) is widely known. Even non-religious people use this idiom because it's part of the literary heritage. In the modern Iranian workplace, managers often use this idiom to motivate (or pressure) employees to achieve 'impossible' KPIs. Younger generations might use the word 'God' (گاد) alongside this idiom to describe someone performing at an elite level. During the month of Muharram or other religious holidays, you might hear the literal version in sermons, but the distinction between literal and figurative is always clear from context.
Master the Sarcasm
When using it sarcastically, roll your eyes slightly. It makes the 'miracle' aspect sound more ridiculous.
Preposition Alert
Never say 'Dar ab' (In water). It ruins the idiom and makes you sound like you're just talking about swimming.
Meaning
To perform an extraordinary or seemingly impossible feat.
Master the Sarcasm
When using it sarcastically, roll your eyes slightly. It makes the 'miracle' aspect sound more ridiculous.
Preposition Alert
Never say 'Dar ab' (In water). It ruins the idiom and makes you sound like you're just talking about swimming.
Humility is Key
In Iran, it's better to say others walk on water than to say it about yourself, unless you're joking.
Pair with 'Maseeh'
Sometimes people add 'Maseeh-var' (Christ-like) to emphasize the miracle.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
او فکر میکند میتواند ....... آب راه برود.
The idiom specifically uses 'روی' (on) to indicate the miracle of not sinking.
Which sentence is sarcastic?
کدام جمله لحن طعنهآمیز (sarcastic) دارد؟
This sentence uses the idiom to push back against impossible social demands.
Complete the dialogue.
رئیس: 'باید تا فردا این پروژه رو تموم کنی.' کارمند: 'آخه قربان، من که .....................'
The employee is saying they cannot perform miracles.
Match the situation to the meaning.
When someone says 'He thinks he walks on water' about a celebrity, they mean:
In this context, the idiom refers to an inflated ego.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Water Idioms Comparison
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاو فکر میکند میتواند ....... آب راه برود.
The idiom specifically uses 'روی' (on) to indicate the miracle of not sinking.
کدام جمله لحن طعنهآمیز (sarcastic) دارد؟
This sentence uses the idiom to push back against impossible social demands.
رئیس: 'باید تا فردا این پروژه رو تموم کنی.' کارمند: 'آخه قربان، من که .....................'
The employee is saying they cannot perform miracles.
When someone says 'He thinks he walks on water' about a celebrity, they mean:
In this context, the idiom refers to an inflated ego.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt has religious roots, but in 99% of modern conversations, it is a secular idiom for success or arrogance.
Yes, but only to praise them. If you use it sarcastically about them, make sure they aren't listening!
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'در گل ماندن' (stuck in the mud) describes the opposite situation of failure.
Extremely. You will find variations of it in the works of Rumi, Saadi, and Attar.
Yes, Persian verbs and idioms are gender-neutral.
No. 'Walking on air' means being very happy. 'Walking on water' means doing the impossible.
You say: 'من که روی آب راه نمیروم' (I don't walk on water).
It's neutral. You can use it in a newspaper article or a chat with friends.
Only if you are being very poetic or funny, like describing a very fast cat.
Using 'tuye' (in) instead of 'ruye' (on).
Young people might say 'طرف فک کرده کیه؟' (Who does he think he is?) instead of the full idiom.
Yes, to describe a major achievement, e.g., 'I felt like I was walking on water when I closed that deal.'
Related Phrases
شقالقمر کردن
synonymTo perform a miracle
کوه را جابجا کردن
similarTo move mountains
آب در هاون کوبیدن
contrastTo pound water in a mortar
جادو کردن
similarTo work magic
فیل هوا کردن
specialized formTo launch an elephant into the air
