Meaning
To show interest or try to find out information discreetly.
Cultural Background
In Iran, directly asking about someone's salary or personal life can be seen as rude, so people often 'sar o goosh mijonbanand' (poke around) to find out information indirectly through mutual friends or subtle observations. The traditional Bazaar is the heart of information. Merchants spend a lot of time 'poking around' other stalls to see what is selling and at what price, maintaining their competitive edge. Before a formal proposal, families often send a relative to 'poke around' the neighborhood of the potential bride or groom to check their reputation. Modern youth might use 'Amar gereftan' (taking statistics) as a slangier version of this idiom, but 'sar o goosh jonbanidan' remains the classic, more descriptive choice.
Use it for 'Testing the Waters'
If you are unsure about a situation and want to check it out first, this is your go-to phrase.
Don't use with Superiors
It's too informal to use when talking to your boss about your own professional research.
Meaning
To show interest or try to find out information discreetly.
Use it for 'Testing the Waters'
If you are unsure about a situation and want to check it out first, this is your go-to phrase.
Don't use with Superiors
It's too informal to use when talking to your boss about your own professional research.
Combine with 'کمی' (a little)
Saying 'کمی سر و گوش بجنبانم' makes you sound very natural and less aggressive.
The 'Zarang' Connection
Using this phrase shows you understand the Iranian value of being socially savvy.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
او مدتی است در شرکتهای مختلف ________ تا کار بهتری پیدا کند.
The context of looking for a better job fits 'sar o goosh jonbanidan' perfectly.
Which situation best fits the use of this idiom?
In which scenario would you say someone is 'sar o goosh jonbanidan'?
Asking about prices or personal details is a form of 'poking around'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: شنیدم سارا خیلی به بخش بازرگانی سر میزند. B: آره، دارد ________ ببیند استخدام دارند یا نه.
The context of checking for job openings fits the idiom.
Match the Persian idiom to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
While all relate to curiosity, 'jonbanidan' specifically maps to 'sniffing/poking around'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Curiosity Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاو مدتی است در شرکتهای مختلف ________ تا کار بهتری پیدا کند.
The context of looking for a better job fits 'sar o goosh jonbanidan' perfectly.
In which scenario would you say someone is 'sar o goosh jonbanidan'?
Asking about prices or personal details is a form of 'poking around'.
A: شنیدم سارا خیلی به بخش بازرگانی سر میزند. B: آره، دارد ________ ببیند استخدام دارند یا نه.
The context of checking for job openings fits the idiom.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
While all relate to curiosity, 'jonbanidan' specifically maps to 'sniffing/poking around'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNot necessarily. It depends on the tone. It can be playful, descriptive, or slightly critical of someone's nosiness.
Yes, but it will be taken literally. For humans, it is always figurative.
'Fuzuli' is always negative (nosiness). 'Sar o goosh jonbanidan' is more about gathering info for a purpose.
من سر و گوش جنباندم (I poked around).
Only in informal writing, like stories, blogs, or messages. Not in formal news or academic papers.
No, the order is fixed: Sar (head) then Goosh (ear).
It can include eavesdropping, but it's broader—it includes looking, asking around, and being present.
Yes, 'Amar gereftan' (آمار گرفتن) is the modern slang equivalent.
Only if you are talking about them informally. 'The detective was sniffing around the neighborhood.'
It's B2 because it requires understanding metaphorical animal imagery in a social context.
It is most common in Iran. In Afghanistan (Dari) or Tajikistan, other phrases might be more prevalent.
Yes! You can say you are 'poking around' on a website or social media.
Related Phrases
سر و گوش آب دادن
synonymTo gather intelligence or spy.
گوش خواباندن
similarTo wait for an opportunity or listen closely.
زاغسیاه چوب زدن
similarTo snoop on someone's private affairs.
کنجکاوی کردن
builds onTo be curious.
آمار گرفتن
specialized formTo get the 'stats' or info on someone.
