Significado
To be very similar in character or nature, often implying negative traits.
Contexto cultural
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'.
Significado
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'.
Teste-se
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.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosاین 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.
Combine cada item a esquerda com seu par a direita:
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.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasNo, 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).
Frases relacionadas
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.
