Meaning
To be very similar in character or nature, often implying negative traits.
Cultural Background
The idiom reflects the historical importance of the textile trade in Iran. 'Karbās' was a common, cheap fabric, and the idiom uses this 'low-class' material to humble those it describes. The concept of 'Zāt' (essence) is central to Persian poetry (like Saadi's Gulistan). This idiom is a folk-version of the philosophical idea that you cannot change your fundamental nature. This is perhaps the most common idiom used by Iranians to express political apathy or cynicism, suggesting all sides are equally ineffective. It is often used by parents or teachers to describe siblings who share the same troublesome habits, emphasizing that they 'come from the same place.'
Negative Only
Remember, this is an insult or a complaint. Don't use it to compliment your friends on how much they have in common!
The 'Qomāsh' Alternative
If you want to sound a bit more sophisticated or 'literary,' use 'qomāsh' instead of 'karbās'.
Meaning
To be very similar in character or nature, often implying negative traits.
Negative Only
Remember, this is an insult or a complaint. Don't use it to compliment your friends on how much they have in common!
The 'Qomāsh' Alternative
If you want to sound a bit more sophisticated or 'literary,' use 'qomāsh' instead of 'karbās'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
این دو تا کاندیدا هیچ فرقی ندارند؛ هر دو سر و ته یک _______ هستند.
The idiom specifically uses 'karbās' (coarse cloth).
Which situation is best for this idiom?
When should you use 'سر و ته یک کرباس بودن'?
The idiom is used for negative similarities.
Match the Persian word to its English literal meaning in the idiom.
Match the parts:
These are the literal components of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: مدیر جدید چطوره؟ B: هیچی، او و مدیر قبلی ________.
This fits the context of comparing two managers dismissively.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاین دو تا کاندیدا هیچ فرقی ندارند؛ هر دو سر و ته یک _______ هستند.
The idiom specifically uses 'karbās' (coarse cloth).
When should you use 'سر و ته یک کرباس بودن'?
The idiom is used for negative similarities.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the literal components of the phrase.
A: مدیر جدید چطوره؟ B: هیچی، او و مدیر قبلی ________.
This fits the context of comparing two managers dismissively.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's quite old-fashioned. Most people only know the word because of this idiom.
Yes, you can use it for two low-quality products or services that are equally disappointing.
It's not a swear word, but it is very dismissive. Use it with friends, not with people you need to respect.
There isn't a single idiom, but you could say 'زمین تا آسمان فرق داشتن' (to be as different as the earth and the sky).
Related Phrases
لنگه هم بودن
synonymTo be a pair of each other.
سر و ته یک قماش بودن
similarTo be of the same fabric.
از یک قماش بودن
similarTo be of the same ilk/kind.
سگ زرد برادر شغال است
similarThe yellow dog is the brother of the jackal.
