Meaning
To discover a piece of information that helps solve a mystery or problem.
Cultural Background
The idiom reflects the importance of the carpet industry in Iranian history. Every Iranian child knows the complexity of a loom. The 'Noir' genre in Iranian cinema (like the works of Masoud Kimiai) frequently uses this phrase to build tension in detective plots. Classical poets often use the 'thread' (reshteh) as a metaphor for the connection between the lover and the beloved, which influenced this idiom. On Iranian Twitter/X, users say 'Sarnakh rā gereftan' when they uncover a 'receipt' or proof of someone's hypocrisy.
Use it for 'Aha!' moments
Use this idiom when you have a sudden realization that connects different pieces of information.
Don't use for physical objects
If you find your lost keys, don't say you 'took the sarnakh'. Just say you found them (peydā kardan).
Meaning
To discover a piece of information that helps solve a mystery or problem.
Use it for 'Aha!' moments
Use this idiom when you have a sudden realization that connects different pieces of information.
Don't use for physical objects
If you find your lost keys, don't say you 'took the sarnakh'. Just say you found them (peydā kardan).
The 'Ziraki' connection
Using this phrase makes you sound 'Zirak' (clever/resourceful) in Persian culture.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
پلیس بعد از هفتهها جستجو، بالاخره ________ را گرفت.
The idiom is 'sarnakh rā gereftan'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a professional context?
Which one is correct?
This correctly uses the idiom to mean 'finding the cause of a problem'.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: 'چطور فهمیدی من تولدت رو فراموش کردم؟' نیما: 'از اینکه دیروز بهم زنگ نزدی ________.'
Nima deduced the fact from a hint (not calling), so he 'took the lead'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are a detective who just found a mysterious letter.
In an investigation, finding a clue is 'sarnakh rā gereftan'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Gereftan vs. Dādan
Practice Bank
4 exercisesپلیس بعد از هفتهها جستجو، بالاخره ________ را گرفت.
The idiom is 'sarnakh rā gereftan'.
Which one is correct?
This correctly uses the idiom to mean 'finding the cause of a problem'.
سارا: 'چطور فهمیدی من تولدت رو فراموش کردم؟' نیما: 'از اینکه دیروز بهم زنگ نزدی ________.'
Nima deduced the fact from a hint (not calling), so he 'took the lead'.
You are a detective who just found a mysterious letter.
In an investigation, finding a clue is 'sarnakh rā gereftan'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if finding the job was like a mystery. For example, if you found a hidden job posting through a small hint.
Yes, it is very common in journalism and literature.
'Neshoune' is a sign or symptom. 'Sarnakh' is a specific lead that you can follow to a conclusion.
In informal speech, yes. 'Sarnakh gereftam' is perfectly fine.
Yes, 'Sarnakh-hā' (leads/clues).
Not at all. It is used daily in modern Iranian life.
Yes, if you are trying to figure out if someone likes you.
Use 'Gom kardan' (to lose).
Yes, Dari and Tajik speakers use similar forms, though 'Sarnakh' is most common in Iran.
Yes, 'In aks yek sarnakh ast' (This photo is a lead).
Related Phrases
سرنخ دادن
contrastTo give a clue
سر کلاف را گم کردن
similarTo lose the thread
دم به تله دادن
contrastTo get caught in a trap
بو بردن
similarTo get wind of something
مچ کسی را گرفتن
builds onTo catch someone red-handed
