Meaning
To fail to keep one's word or commitment.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ghol-e mardaneh' (A man's promise) is a traditional value where a verbal agreement is considered sacred. Breaking it is seen as a major character flaw. In the fast-paced life of Tehran, 'Zir-e ghol zadan' is often used to describe 'flaking' on social plans, which is increasingly common and frustrating for the younger generation. In the traditional Bazaar, a merchant who frequently 'hits under his promise' will lose his 'Etebar' (credit/reputation) and no one will trade with him. Classical poets like Hafez and Saadi often write about 'Ahd-shekani' (breaking covenants), usually in the context of a lover breaking a promise to their beloved.
Use with possessives
Always try to say 'Zir-e ghol-AM' (my promise) or 'Zir-e ghol-ASH' (his/her promise) to sound more native.
Don't use for accidents
If you just forgot your keys, don't use this. It's for broken commitments only.
Meaning
To fail to keep one's word or commitment.
Use with possessives
Always try to say 'Zir-e ghol-AM' (my promise) or 'Zir-e ghol-ASH' (his/her promise) to sound more native.
Don't use for accidents
If you just forgot your keys, don't use this. It's for broken commitments only.
The 'Zadan' family
Mastering 'Zir-e ghol zadan' will help you understand other 'Zir' idioms like 'Zir-e ab zadan' (to backstab someone).
Ta'arof Alert
If an Iranian invites you over 'anytime', it's not a promise. Don't accuse them of 'Zir-e ghol zadan' if they aren't home!
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'zadan'.
دیروز علی قرار بود به من کمک کند، اما باز هم زیر قولش ______.
The sentence starts with 'Dirooz' (Yesterday), so we need the past tense third-person singular: 'zad'.
Which sentence means 'Don't break your promise'?
Choose the correct imperative form:
'Nazan' is the negative imperative (Don't hit/break).
What would you say if a friend cancels a trip at the last minute?
دوست: ببخشید، من نمیتوانم به سفر بیایم. شما: واقعاً؟ چرا باز هم ______؟
The context is a broken promise, so 'Zir-e gholat zadi' is the appropriate response.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A politician promised lower taxes but raised them.
Raising taxes after promising to lower them is a classic example of 'Zir-e ghol zadan'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدیروز علی قرار بود به من کمک کند، اما باز هم زیر قولش ______.
The sentence starts with 'Dirooz' (Yesterday), so we need the past tense third-person singular: 'zad'.
Choose the correct imperative form:
'Nazan' is the negative imperative (Don't hit/break).
دوست: ببخشید، من نمیتوانم به سفر بیایم. شما: واقعاً؟ چرا باز هم ______؟
The context is a broken promise, so 'Zir-e gholat zadi' is the appropriate response.
Situation: A politician promised lower taxes but raised them.
Raising taxes after promising to lower them is a classic example of 'Zir-e ghol zadan'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt can be accusatory. Use it with friends, but be careful with superiors.
It's better to use 'Naghz-e gharardad' for formal documents.
The opposite is 'Khosh-ghol budan' or 'Sar-e ghol mandan'.
It's a metaphor for knocking the supports out from an agreement.
You can say 'U hamishe zir-e gholash mizanad'.
The root is Arabic (Qawl), but the usage is purely Persian.
No, it's too informal. Say 'I value commitments' instead.
Yes, like promising to call someone back.
You can say 'Dast-e khodam nabood' (It wasn't in my hands) after saying you broke it.
Yes, 'Zad zirash' is very common slang.
Yes, it's very common in political criticism.
Zir-e ghol-eman zadim.
Yes, many pop songs use it to describe a cheating or lying lover.
Yes, it's a 100% synonym.
Related Phrases
بدقولی کردن
similarTo be unreliable with promises
خوشقول بودن
contrastTo be a person of one's word
سر قول خود ماندن
contrastTo stay on one's promise
دبه کردن
specialized formTo back out of a deal after it's finalized
زیر حرف خود زدن
synonymTo go back on what one said
