Meaning
Someone is dreaming of something unrealistic or unattainable.
Cultural Background
Animals like camels, donkeys, and mice are central to Persian proverbs, reflecting the agrarian and nomadic roots of the culture. The use of 'binad' (archaic present) shows how classical poetry still dictates how modern Iranians speak. Even a child might use a 1000-year-old verb form because of this proverb. In modern Tehran, this proverb is often used with a specific 'intonation'—a rising pitch on 'daneh' to emphasize the mockery.
Use it for Sarcasm
If you want to sound like a native, use this with a slight smirk. It's the ultimate 'yeah, right' expression.
Mind the Formality
Don't say this to your boss or your grandmother unless you have a very playful relationship, as it can be seen as calling them delusional.
Meaning
Someone is dreaming of something unrealistic or unattainable.
Use it for Sarcasm
If you want to sound like a native, use this with a slight smirk. It's the ultimate 'yeah, right' expression.
Mind the Formality
Don't say this to your boss or your grandmother unless you have a very playful relationship, as it can be seen as calling them delusional.
Test Yourself
Which animal is mentioned in the proverb?
... در خواب بیند پنبه دانه
The proverb specifically uses the camel as it is a desert animal that craves cottonseed.
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
شتر در خواب ... پنبه دانه
'بیند' is the literary form of 'sees'.
In which situation would you use this proverb?
Someone says: 'I will become a billionaire by tomorrow by doing nothing.'
The proverb is used for unrealistic, 'impossible' dreams.
Complete the dialogue.
A: من میخواهم بدون گواهینامه رانندگی کنم. B: ...
Driving without a license and expecting no trouble is an unrealistic 'dream'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises... در خواب بیند پنبه دانه
The proverb specifically uses the camel as it is a desert animal that craves cottonseed.
شتر در خواب ... پنبه دانه
'بیند' is the literary form of 'sees'.
Someone says: 'I will become a billionaire by tomorrow by doing nothing.'
The proverb is used for unrealistic, 'impossible' dreams.
A: من میخواهم بدون گواهینامه رانندگی کنم. B: ...
Driving without a license and expecting no trouble is an unrealistic 'dream'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is extremely common in daily life, movies, and even news headlines.
Yes, you can say 'شاید من دارم شتر در خواب بیند پنبه دانه میبینم' to show self-awareness of your own wild dreams.
It is cottonseed. In the past, it was a common animal feed in Iran.
Related Phrases
خواب زن چپ است
similarA dream that means the opposite (often used dismissively).
وعده سر خرمن
similarAn empty promise.
دلخوش کنک
synonymSomething that gives false hope.
