Meaning
To deceive or trick someone, often with flattery or false pretenses.
Cultural Background
In the Iranian bazaar, 'shireh mâlidan' is a warning against 'Zirangi' (excessive cleverness) that crosses into dishonesty. In the capital, the phrase is often used in political satire and social media to criticize empty government promises. While understood, Dari speakers might more frequently use 'فریب دادن' or 'بازی دادن'. The phrase is less common in Tajikistan, where Russian-influenced idioms or more classical Persian terms are used.
Watch the 'râ'
Always remember the object marker 'râ' after the person being tricked.
Don't be too formal
Using this in a PhD thesis might raise eyebrows!
Meaning
To deceive or trick someone, often with flattery or false pretenses.
Watch the 'râ'
Always remember the object marker 'râ' after the person being tricked.
Don't be too formal
Using this in a PhD thesis might raise eyebrows!
Use with 'خواستن'
It sounds very natural when used with 'wanting' to trick someone: 'میخواد سرم رو شیره بماله'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
او با دروغهایش میخواست سر من را _______ .
The full phrase is 'shireh mâlidan'.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
In which case would you say 'Saram râ shireh mâlid'?
This involves deception and false pretenses.
Complete the dialogue.
A: این لباس خیلی گرونه! B: آره، فروشنده میخواد _______ .
The context of an overpriced item suggests the seller is trying to trick the buyer.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesاو با دروغهایش میخواست سر من را _______ .
The full phrase is 'shireh mâlidan'.
In which case would you say 'Saram râ shireh mâlid'?
This involves deception and false pretenses.
A: این لباس خیلی گرونه! B: آره، فروشنده میخواد _______ .
The context of an overpriced item suggests the seller is trying to trick the buyer.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, but it's informal. It's like saying 'He's playing me' in English.
Yes, if the prank involves a lie or a trick.
It's a thick syrup made from grapes or dates, very common in Iran.
It's rare. Usually, we say 'Saram shireh mâlideh shod', but it's better to use active voice.
Just 'شیره مالیدن' can be used as a noun phrase.
Related Phrases
کلاه سر کسی گذاشتن
synonymTo put a hat on someone's head.
گول زدن
similarTo fool someone.
رنگ کردن
similarTo paint someone.
خر کردن
slangTo make a donkey out of someone.
دروغ گفتن
builds onTo tell a lie.
