Meaning
Something kept hidden or confidential, not to be revealed.
Cultural Background
In classical poetry, 'Sar be mohr' often refers to the 'Wine of Paradise' or 'Divine Secrets' that are not accessible to the uninitiated. Government and educational institutions use 'Sar be mohr' for exam papers (Konkur) to ensure no leaks occur before the nationwide test. The 'Seal of Prophethood' (Khatam-al-Anbiya) is a related concept, where the 'seal' represents the completion and locking of a divine cycle. Keeping someone's secret 'Sar be mohr' is a high form of loyalty in Iranian friendships, often linked to the concept of 'Amanat' (trust).
Use with 'Raz'
If you are unsure, always pair it with 'Raz' (Secret). 'Raz-e sar be mohr' is the most natural way to use it.
Not for Zippers
Don't use this for a zipped bag or a closed box. Use 'بسته' (basteh) instead.
Meaning
Something kept hidden or confidential, not to be revealed.
Use with 'Raz'
If you are unsure, always pair it with 'Raz' (Secret). 'Raz-e sar be mohr' is the most natural way to use it.
Not for Zippers
Don't use this for a zipped bag or a closed box. Use 'بسته' (basteh) instead.
Poetic Flair
Using this in a letter or a formal speech makes you sound very educated and respectful of Persian traditions.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
این نامه محرمانه است و باید تا فردا _________ باقی بماند.
In a formal context regarding a confidential letter, 'سر به مهر' is the most appropriate idiom.
Which situation best fits the use of 'سر به مهر'?
A situation where...
The idiom refers to formal or poetic secrecy, typically involving documents or deep mysteries.
Match the Persian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Understanding the nuance between the poetic/figurative and the purely physical is key.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesاین نامه محرمانه است و باید تا فردا _________ باقی بماند.
In a formal context regarding a confidential letter, 'سر به مهر' is the most appropriate idiom.
A situation where...
The idiom refers to formal or poetic secrecy, typically involving documents or deep mysteries.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the nuance between the poetic/figurative and the purely physical is key.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNot really. For a finalized deal, use 'قطعی شده' (ghat'i shodeh). 'Sar be mohr' implies it's hidden, not just finished.
Yes, 'mohr' means seal, stamp, or signet. It also means 'love' or 'sun' in other contexts, but here it's the physical seal.
Yes, as a vocabulary item for 'secret,' but be careful with the formal register.
You use 'مهر از چیزی برداشتن' or 'فاش کردن' (to reveal).
Yes, for 'sealed evidence' or 'confidential files' in court.
Related Phrases
مهر و موم
similarSealed and stamped
راز مکتوم
synonymHidden secret
پشت پرده
similarBehind the curtain
فاش کردن
contrastTo reveal/divulge
دم نزدن
builds onTo not breathe a word
