Meaning
Used to describe a situation of great disorder, instability, or chaos.
Cultural Background
The idiom is deeply tied to 'Chineh' walls. These are walls made of mud and stone without mortar. Their stability depends entirely on the skill of the builder and the weight of the stones pressing down. If one stone is off, the whole wall fails. Persian culture historically emphasizes the role of the 'Saheb' (owner/master). Whether it's a shop, a house, or a country, the presence of a 'Saheb' is what prevents chaos. This idiom is a linguistic reflection of that need for a central figure. On Iranian Twitter, this phrase is often used with the hashtag #بی_قانونی (lawlessness) to criticize social issues or economic instability. While similar to biblical phrases about the destruction of the Temple, in Persian it has shifted from a prophecy of destruction to a daily complaint about mismanagement.
Use it for 'Broken Systems'
This idiom is most powerful when you use it to describe a system that *should* work but doesn't because of bad leadership.
Don't use for physical messes
If you spill coffee, don't use this. It will sound like you are declaring the end of the world.
Meaning
Used to describe a situation of great disorder, instability, or chaos.
Use it for 'Broken Systems'
This idiom is most powerful when you use it to describe a system that *should* work but doesn't because of bad leadership.
Don't use for physical messes
If you spill coffee, don't use this. It will sound like you are declaring the end of the world.
Test Yourself
Complete the idiom with the correct verb form.
اگر در این شرکت مدیر نباشد، سنگ روی سنگ ______.
The standard form of the idiom uses 'بند نمیشود'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'سنگ روی سنگ بند نمیشود'?
Which of these is a correct use of the idiom?
The idiom describes systemic chaos and a lack of rules/order.
Choose the best response.
شخص الف: چرا این اداره اینقدر شلوغ و بینظم است؟ شخص ب: چون رئیس استعفا داده و ______.
The idiom explains why the office is chaotic (lack of a leader).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesاگر در این شرکت مدیر نباشد، سنگ روی سنگ ______.
The standard form of the idiom uses 'بند نمیشود'.
Which of these is a correct use of the idiom?
The idiom describes systemic chaos and a lack of rules/order.
شخص الف: چرا این اداره اینقدر شلوغ و بینظم است؟ شخص ب: چون رئیس استعفا داده و ______.
The idiom explains why the office is chaotic (lack of a leader).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is neutral and polite. You can use it with your teacher or boss to describe a situation, unlike 'khar tu khar' which is slang.
Technically yes, but it sounds very dramatic. It's better for situations involving people and rules.
There isn't a single idiom, but you can say 'همه چیز روی نظم است' (Everything is on order).
Related Phrases
خر تو خر
synonymA total, messy chaos.
شیر تو شیر
synonymA confusing situation.
بلبشو
similarA hullabaloo or chaotic mess.
نظم و ترتیب
contrastOrder and arrangement.
