Meaning
To become established, stable, or to grow strong and independent.
Cultural Background
In the traditional bazaar, a new merchant is only considered 'established' (پا گرفته) after they survive several seasonal cycles. Other merchants will use this phrase to show respect to a newcomer who has proven their resilience. The 'Pa-Goshon' (پا گشان) is a related cultural concept where a child's first steps are celebrated, or a new bride/groom is invited to family houses for the first time to 'open their feet' to the family circle. Tehran's startup scene uses 'پا گرفتن' as a direct equivalent to 'gaining traction'. It is a bridge between ancient bazaar language and modern venture capital.
Think of a Tree
If you forget the meaning, imagine a tree that was just a seed. When it 'takes foot', it is finally standing against the wind.
Don't use for people's height
To say someone grew taller, use 'ghad keshidan', not 'pa gereftan'.
Meaning
To become established, stable, or to grow strong and independent.
Think of a Tree
If you forget the meaning, imagine a tree that was just a seed. When it 'takes foot', it is finally standing against the wind.
Don't use for people's height
To say someone grew taller, use 'ghad keshidan', not 'pa gereftan'.
Test Yourself
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom for a new restaurant?
رستوران جدید علی...
'Pa gereftan' means the restaurant became established and successful.
Complete the sentence about a child.
بچه من ده ماهه بود که ____ گرفت.
'Pa gereftan' is the specific idiom for a child starting to walk.
Match the situation to the meaning of 'پا گرفتن'.
Situation: A new political party is gaining many members.
In a social/political context, it means gaining stability and members.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: کار جدیدت چطوره؟ B: سخته، ولی کمکم داره ____ میگیره.
The speaker is saying their new job/business is finally finding its footing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where things 'Pa Migirand'
Family
- • Toddlers
- • New Traditions
Economy
- • Startups
- • New Markets
Practice Bank
4 exercisesرستوران جدید علی...
'Pa gereftan' means the restaurant became established and successful.
بچه من ده ماهه بود که ____ گرفت.
'Pa gereftan' is the specific idiom for a child starting to walk.
Situation: A new political party is gaining many members.
In a social/political context, it means gaining stability and members.
A: کار جدیدت چطوره؟ B: سخته، ولی کمکم داره ____ میگیره.
The speaker is saying their new job/business is finally finding its footing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, you can say a disease 'پا گرفته' (took root) in a region, meaning it has started to spread and become established.
Yes, it is perfectly polite and can be used in all social settings.
Related Phrases
جا افتادن
synonymTo settle in / to become established
رونق گرفتن
similarTo boom / to prosper
پا دادن
contrastTo happen / to yield an opportunity
