Meaning
To secretly get rid of or destroy a person or object.
Cultural Background
In Iranian noir cinema, this phrase is a staple. It reflects the 'Zir-zamini' (underground) nature of conflict in urban settings. Classical poets often used 'Nist' to describe the spiritual annihilation of the ego, but the idiom brings this lofty concept down to the gritty world of crime. The phrase is also understood and used in Afghanistan, often in the context of the long years of conflict and disappearances. While 'Napadid kardan' is more common in formal Tajik, 'Sar be nist' is recognized through the influence of Iranian media.
Think Noir
Whenever you use this, imagine a black-and-white detective movie. It helps set the right tone.
Don't use for accidents
Remember, this is about 'making' something disappear, not 'losing' it by mistake.
Meaning
To secretly get rid of or destroy a person or object.
Think Noir
Whenever you use this, imagine a black-and-white detective movie. It helps set the right tone.
Don't use for accidents
Remember, this is about 'making' something disappear, not 'losing' it by mistake.
Object placement
Always put the object before 'sar be nist' and use the 'ra' particle if it's a specific object.
Joking usage
You can use it with friends to talk about 'deleting' an annoying person from a group chat.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
دزدها برای اینکه گیر نیفتند، تمام طلاها را ....... .
The context of thieves not wanting to get caught implies they intentionally hid/disposed of the gold.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the logical sentence:
The idiom requires intentionality and secrecy, which fits hiding a secret letter.
Complete the dialogue.
A: پلیس جسد را پیدا کرد؟ B: نه، قاتل آن را ....... .
In a murder context, the killer would dispose of the body secretly.
Match the situation to the action.
You have a document that proves your boss is lying. You are scared and throw it in the shredder.
Shredding a sensitive document to make it vanish is 'sar be nist kardan'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Intentional vs. Accidental
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدزدها برای اینکه گیر نیفتند، تمام طلاها را ....... .
The context of thieves not wanting to get caught implies they intentionally hid/disposed of the gold.
Choose the logical sentence:
The idiom requires intentionality and secrecy, which fits hiding a secret letter.
A: پلیس جسد را پیدا کرد؟ B: نه، قاتل آن را ....... .
In a murder context, the killer would dispose of the body secretly.
You have a document that proves your boss is lying. You are scared and throw it in the shredder.
Shredding a sensitive document to make it vanish is 'sar be nist kardan'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it can also be about hiding objects, letters, or evidence. However, it always implies secrecy.
Only if someone kidnapped the dog and made it disappear on purpose. If the dog just ran away, use 'gom shodan'.
No, it's informal. In a formal report, use 'napadid kardan' or 'az miyan bardashtan'.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'parda-bardari kardan' (to unveil) or 'fash kardan' (to reveal) work in context.
Yes, in a casual or joking way, it's very common among tech-savvy Iranians.
Yes, literally, but in the idiom, it's just a fixed part of the phrase and doesn't refer to a physical head anymore.
It's not 'rude' (like a swear word), but it is 'harsh' because of its dark connotations.
Yes, that is the passive form: 'to be made to disappear'.
سر به نیستت میکنم! (Sar be nistet mikonam!)
The concepts of 'Nist' are there, but this specific idiom is a later Persian development.
Only as a joke, implying they vanished mysteriously.
'Koshtan' is just to kill. 'Sar be nist kardan' is to kill AND hide the body/fact.
Related Phrases
ناپدید کردن
synonymTo make disappear
از میان برداشتن
similarTo eliminate
کلک کسی را کندن
similarTo finish someone off
آب کردن
specialized formTo melt away / to sell stolen goods
گم و گور کردن
similarTo make something lost and buried
