surveying force image schemas in some proverbs of persian language

some persian proverbs concern a problem and how to encounter it. the present paper seeks to examine such proverbs. findings indicate that in the analyzed proverbs, force image schemas have three options. in the first option, a problem is depicted as a barrier that cannot be removed. in these proverbs, there is no recommendation or solution for solving the problem. in the second option, the problem can be solved by providing a proposed solution. and the third one presents a problem as a barrier that can be left behind. statistical investigations show that in the examined proverbs, the second and third options had the highest and lowest frequencies respectively. in proverbs of the second type, there are proverbs expressing solving problem through desirable and suitable solutions. this group has the highest frequency. in the studied proverbs, the frequency of force image schemas options present insights to iranian ethnological psychology; the dominant thought in iranian behaviour and manner had been resistance against problems, search for a solution for any problem and attempt to select the best way for the problem. most of the studied proverbs indicate that iranian folk have strong spirits against problems.