Meaning
To dramatically overstate or embellish a situation, making it seem much bigger.
Cultural Background
The number 40 (Chehel) is sacred and symbolic in Persian culture, representing completion or a large quantity. It appears in 'Chehel Shab' (40 nights) and 'Chehel Dokhtaran' (40 girls). Historically, the Bazaar was the center of news. A merchant's reputation could be made or broken by 'yek kalagh chehel kalagh' within a single afternoon. Iranians are very active on Telegram and WhatsApp. This proverb is now frequently used to warn against 'fake news' and viral misinformation in family groups. Crows in Persian poetry are often messengers, but in this proverb, they represent the noisy, repetitive nature of gossipers.
Use with 'Kardan'
Remember that this phrase is almost always used as a verb with 'kardan'. Just saying the phrase alone is rare unless you are naming the proverb.
Don't use for serious lies
If someone commits a crime and lies about it, this phrase is too light. Use it for social gossip and harmless (or annoying) exaggerations.
Meaning
To dramatically overstate or embellish a situation, making it seem much bigger.
Use with 'Kardan'
Remember that this phrase is almost always used as a verb with 'kardan'. Just saying the phrase alone is rare unless you are naming the proverb.
Don't use for serious lies
If someone commits a crime and lies about it, this phrase is too light. Use it for social gossip and harmless (or annoying) exaggerations.
The 'O' variation
Adding 'o' (and) makes you sound more like a native speaker in casual conversation: 'Yek kalagh o chehel kalagh'.
Protecting Aberu
Using this phrase can be a polite way to tell someone they are gossiping without using the harsher word 'gheybat' (sinful gossip).
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct number.
یک کلاغ، _______ کلاغ
The standard proverb uses 'chehel' (40).
Which verb is most commonly used with this phrase?
او همیشه در مورد موفقیتهایش یک کلاغ چهل کلاغ _______.
The compound verb is 'yek kalagh chehel kalagh kardan'.
In which situation would you use this phrase?
Situation: You hear a rumor that your favorite cafe is closing, but the owner says they are just painting the walls.
The phrase is used for exaggerated rumors.
Complete the dialogue.
A: شنیدی علی برنده جایزه نوبل شده؟ B: نه بابا، فقط توی مسابقه مدرسه اول شده. باز مردم _______.
The context of a small prize becoming a Nobel prize is a perfect example of this proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Reality vs. Gossip
Practice Bank
4 exercisesیک کلاغ، _______ کلاغ
The standard proverb uses 'chehel' (40).
او همیشه در مورد موفقیتهایش یک کلاغ چهل کلاغ _______.
The compound verb is 'yek kalagh chehel kalagh kardan'.
Situation: You hear a rumor that your favorite cafe is closing, but the owner says they are just painting the walls.
The phrase is used for exaggerated rumors.
A: شنیدی علی برنده جایزه نوبل شده؟ B: نه بابا، فقط توی مسابقه مدرسه اول شده. باز مردم _______.
The context of a small prize becoming a Nobel prize is a perfect example of this proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be slightly confrontational if said directly to someone's face, but it's generally seen as a witty way to point out exaggeration.
No, the word 'kalagh' (crow) is fixed. Using other birds would not be understood as the proverb.
Usually, yes, or at least that the important parts have been distorted. There is always a 'seed' of truth, but the final version is unreliable.
Yes, in journalism, blogs, and literature, but rarely in formal academic writing.
The closest in meaning to the *process* is 'Chinese whispers'. The closest to the *result* is 'making a mountain out of a molehill'.
In Persian culture, 40 represents a large, complete number. It's more symbolic than literal.
Technically yes, but it almost always has a negative connotation of unreliable gossip.
یک کلاغ چهل کلاغ کردند (Yek kalagh chehel kalagh kardand).
Sometimes people just say 'Yek kalagh chehel kalagh' as a standalone comment when they hear a wild story.
Yes, though they might also use slang terms like 'chakhān' (lying/exaggerating).
Related Phrases
پیازداغش را زیاد کردن
similarTo over-embellish a story (lit: to add too much fried onion).
از کاه کوه ساختن
similarTo make a mountain out of a molehill.
شایعه پراکنی
specialized formSpreading rumors.
خاله زنک بازی
similarEngaging in petty gossip.
دم درآوردن
relatedFor a story to 'grow a tail'.
