Meaning
To become quiet and reserved, avoiding social interaction.
Cultural Background
In Iran, social life is very active. Withdrawing is often seen as a sign that someone needs help or is going through a tough time. Similar to Iran, the culture values community. Withdrawing is often viewed with concern. The idiom is understood and used similarly in Tajikistan, reflecting shared Persian cultural roots. Persian speakers living abroad often use this to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by a new, fast-paced culture.
Use it with empathy
When you use this phrase, it sounds more empathetic than just saying 'he is alone'.
Don't use for physical hiding
It is not for hide-and-seek!
Meaning
To become quiet and reserved, avoiding social interaction.
Use it with empathy
When you use this phrase, it sounds more empathetic than just saying 'he is alone'.
Don't use for physical hiding
It is not for hide-and-seek!
Combine with 'همیشه'
Use 'همیشه' (always) to describe someone's personality.
Social context
In Iran, people might ask you why you are 'in your shell' if you are quiet.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct part of the idiom.
او بعد از دعوا سر به لاک خود _____ برد.
The idiom is 'سر به لاک خود فرو بردن'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct sentence:
The idiom describes social withdrawal, usually due to a need for solitude.
Match the Persian phrase with its English meaning.
Match:
The idiom means to become quiet and reserved.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا علی امروز حرف نمیزنه؟ B: نمیدونم، فکر کنم _____.
The context implies someone is quiet, so the idiom fits perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاو بعد از دعوا سر به لاک خود _____ برد.
The idiom is 'سر به لاک خود فرو بردن'.
Choose the correct sentence:
The idiom describes social withdrawal, usually due to a need for solitude.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The idiom means to become quiet and reserved.
A: چرا علی امروز حرف نمیزنه؟ B: نمیدونم، فکر کنم _____.
The context implies someone is quiet, so the idiom fits perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt can be, but it's often used with concern or understanding.
Yes, 'من سر به لاک خودم فرو بردم' (I went into my shell).
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or colleagues.
It's understandable but not the standard idiom.
It can be a result of shyness, but it's an action, not a trait.
Yes, 'آنها سر به لاک خود فرو بردند'.
Yes, it's very common in dramas.
Like 'lock' but with a long 'a'.
Yes, it's common for children who are shy.
Yes, 'to go into one's shell'.
Don't use this. Use 'سرم شلوغه' (I'm busy).
Yes, in novels and articles.
Related Phrases
گوشهگیر شدن
synonymTo become a recluse
منزوی شدن
synonymTo become isolated
توی لاک خود بودن
similarTo be in one's shell
از اجتماع دوری کردن
similarTo avoid society
