Significado
Be careful what you say, as private conversations might be overheard.
Contexto cultural
The proverb reflects the historical architecture of 'mud and straw' walls which were notoriously thin, making privacy a luxury. During various political eras, this phrase was a literal survival tip to avoid 'SAVAK' or other intelligence informants. The use of animals (mice) to teach moral lessons is a staple of Persian literature, similar to the fables of 'Kalila and Demna'. Young Iranians use this phrase on social media to warn about 'cyber-police' or 'screenshots' in private groups.
Use the gesture
If you are in a very loud place, just point to your ear and then the wall. Most Iranians will immediately understand you mean 'Divar mush dare'.
Don't be too paranoid
Using this phrase too often can make you seem overly secretive or suspicious of others.
Significado
Be careful what you say, as private conversations might be overheard.
Use the gesture
If you are in a very loud place, just point to your ear and then the wall. Most Iranians will immediately understand you mean 'Divar mush dare'.
Don't be too paranoid
Using this phrase too often can make you seem overly secretive or suspicious of others.
The 'Hiss' factor
Always start with a soft 'Hiss' (Shh) for maximum cultural effect.
Rhyme is key
The rhyme between 'mush' and 'gush' is what makes it a proverb. Without the second half, it's just a statement; with it, it's wisdom.
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
دیوار ....... داره، موش ....... داره.
The correct order is 'mush' (mouse) then 'gush' (ear).
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to use this phrase?
You are in a crowded elevator and your friend starts talking about a secret office romance.
The phrase is used to warn about being overheard in public or semi-public spaces.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
علی: 'بیا اینجا، میخوام یه رازی رو بهت بگم.' سارا: 'هیس! آرومتر...'
The full proverb is the natural way to warn someone to be quiet when sharing a secret.
Match the Persian word to its English meaning in the proverb.
1. دیوار, 2. موش, 3. گوش
Divar = Wall, Mush = Mouse, Gush = Ear.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosدیوار ....... داره، موش ....... داره.
The correct order is 'mush' (mouse) then 'gush' (ear).
You are in a crowded elevator and your friend starts talking about a secret office romance.
The phrase is used to warn about being overheard in public or semi-public spaces.
علی: 'بیا اینجا، میخوام یه رازی رو بهت بگم.' سارا: 'هیس! آرومتر...'
The full proverb is the natural way to warn someone to be quiet when sharing a secret.
Combine cada item a esquerda com seu par a direita:
Divar = Wall, Mush = Mouse, Gush = Ear.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it's purely metaphorical. The 'mouse' represents any hidden listener or eavesdropper.
Not at all. It's usually seen as a helpful warning to protect both the speaker and the listener.
Only if the atmosphere is casual. In a formal board meeting, it's better to use more professional language.
Mice are known for living inside walls and being very quiet, making them the perfect metaphor for a hidden listener.
Not commonly in Persian. The focus is almost always on hearing (ears).
You can, and people will understand, but it's not the 'correct' proverb. It sounds like a translation from English.
Yes, variations of this proverb exist across all Persian-speaking regions, though the 'mouse' imagery is strongest in Iran.
The best response is to lower your voice immediately and say 'Rast migi' (You're right) or 'Bashe' (Okay).
Yes, it's a timeless proverb. Even Gen Z in Iran uses it, often ironically or in memes.
The formal version is 'darad' (دارد).
Frases relacionadas
هفت صندوق قفل
similarSeven locked chests
رازت را به کسی نگو
builds onDon't tell your secret to anyone
دهانش چفت و بست ندارد
contrastHis mouth has no lock or bolt
شتر دیدی، ندیدی
similarIf you saw a camel, you didn't see it
