Meaning
To play a joke or trick on someone, often to mislead them temporarily.
Cultural Background
The 'Dorough-e Sizdah' is the most famous cultural manifestation of this phrase. It's a day where even national newspapers might publish a 'sar-e kār' story. Gen-Z Iranians use 'Istgāh kardan' more frequently than 'sar-e kār gozāshtan' in online gaming and social media contexts. In the old bazaar, 'sar-e kār gozāshtan' was a way to test the patience and 'zerangi' of new apprentices. Many Iranian comedy films (like 'Marmoulak') rely on the protagonist 'putting everyone to work' by pretending to be someone they are not.
The 'Reveal' moment
When you reveal the prank, always say 'شوخی کردم' (I was joking) right after 'سر کارت گذاشتم' to keep it friendly.
Don't overdo it
In Iranian culture, being 'sar-e kār' for too long can be seen as an insult to one's intelligence. Know when to stop!
Meaning
To play a joke or trick on someone, often to mislead them temporarily.
The 'Reveal' moment
When you reveal the prank, always say 'شوخی کردم' (I was joking) right after 'سر کارت گذاشتم' to keep it friendly.
Don't overdo it
In Iranian culture, being 'sar-e kār' for too long can be seen as an insult to one's intelligence. Know when to stop!
Passive Voice
Use 'سر کار رفتم' (I went to work) to gracefully admit you were fooled. It shows you have a good sense of humor.
Dating Red Flag
If an Iranian friend says 'اون داره تو رو سر کار میذاره' about your crush, take it seriously—it means they think you're being played.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to say 'He pranked me.'
او دیروز ________.
The subject is 'He' (او), so the verb must be 3rd person singular (گذاشت), and the object is 'me' (من را).
Fill in the blank with the correct object suffix.
داری سر کار_____ میذاری؟ (Are you pranking ME?)
The suffix '-am' (م) refers to 'me'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'sar-e kār gozāshtan'?
A friend tells you that classes are cancelled, so you stay home, but then you find out class happened.
This is a classic 'sar-e kār gozāshtan' scenario where you are given false information.
Complete the dialogue.
A: فردا قراره برف بیاد، مدرسهها تعطیله! B: واقعاً؟ یا داری منو ________؟
B is asking if A is pranking them.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاو دیروز ________.
The subject is 'He' (او), so the verb must be 3rd person singular (گذاشت), and the object is 'me' (من را).
داری سر کار_____ میذاری؟ (Are you pranking ME?)
The suffix '-am' (م) refers to 'me'.
A friend tells you that classes are cancelled, so you stay home, but then you find out class happened.
This is a classic 'sar-e kār gozāshtan' scenario where you are given false information.
A: فردا قراره برف بیاد، مدرسهها تعطیله! B: واقعاً؟ یا داری منو ________؟
B is asking if A is pranking them.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's informal, but not inherently rude among friends. It's only rude if used with someone you should be formal with.
Usually, 'گول زدن' (fooling) or 'کلاهبرداری' (fraud) is used for serious scams. 'Sar-e kār gozāshtan' is mostly for pranks or leading someone on.
'Dast andākhtan' is more like 'making fun of' or 'teasing,' while 'sar-e kār gozāshtan' involves a deceptive scenario.
Use 'سر کار رفتم' (Sar-e kār raftam).
Yes, 'کسی را معطل کردن' (to keep someone waiting/lingering) or 'کسی را فریب دادن' (to deceive someone).
Yes, it's very common to describe someone who doesn't reply or keeps you waiting as 'putting you to work.'
No, the word 'kār' here is purely idiomatic. No actual labor is involved.
No, it's too slangy. Use 'سرگردان کردن' instead.
It's most common in Iran. In Afghanistan (Dari), they might use different idioms for pranking.
Usually 'خیلی بدی!' (You're so bad!) or 'واقعاً که!' (Really now!).
Related Phrases
دست انداختن
synonymTo pull someone's leg / To tease
فیلم کردن
similarTo make a scene/movie of someone
ایستگاه کردن
slangTo troll someone
گول زدن
similarTo fool/deceive
سر کار رفتن
contrastTo be fooled / To go to work
