10 Powerful Hindi Idioms and Their English Meanings
Share
Introduction
Idioms, or मुहावरे (Muhavare) in Hindi, are an essential part of the language. However, translating Hindi idioms into English directly can lead to misunderstandings.
For example:
❌ "ऊँट के मुँह में जीरा" → "Cumin in a camel’s mouth" (Incorrect literal translation)
✅ "A drop in the ocean" (Correct English equivalent)
This guide explores 10 powerful Hindi idioms, their literal meaning, and their actual English equivalent so that you can translate them correctly.
1. नाच न जाने आँगन टेढ़ा (Naach Na Jaane Aangan Tedha)
Literal Meaning:
"He doesn’t know how to dance, but blames the courtyard."
English Equivalent:
"A bad workman blames his tools."
Usage Example:
➡ Hindi: वह मैच हार गया और खराब गेंद को दोष दे रहा है।
➡ English: He lost the match and is blaming the ball. A bad workman always blames his tools.
2. ऊँट के मुँह में जीरा (Oont Ke Muh Mein Jeera)
Literal Meaning:
"A cumin seed in a camel’s mouth."
English Equivalent:
"A drop in the ocean."
Usage Example:
➡ Hindi: आपकी छोटी सी मदद उसकी बड़ी समस्या में ऊँट के मुँह में जीरा जैसी होगी।
➡ English: Your small help is like a drop in the ocean for his big problem.
3. हाथ पर हाथ धरे बैठना (Hath Par Hath Dhare Baithna)
Literal Meaning:
"Sitting with hands on hands."
English Equivalent:
"Sitting idle."
Usage Example:
➡ Hindi: तुम्हें सफलता चाहिए तो हाथ पर हाथ धरे मत बैठो।
➡ English: If you want success, don’t just sit idle.
4. दूध का जला छाछ भी फूंक-फूंक कर पीता है (Doodh Ka Jala Chhach Bhi Phoonk Phoonk Kar Peeta Hai)
Literal Meaning:
"A person burnt by milk blows on buttermilk before drinking."
English Equivalent:
"Once bitten, twice shy."
Usage Example:
➡ Hindi: वह पिछले नुकसान के बाद अब निवेश करने से डरता है।
➡ English: He is scared to invest after his previous loss. Once bitten, twice shy.
5. आम के आम गुठलियों के दाम (Aam Ke Aam Guthliyon Ke Daam)
Literal Meaning:
"Mangoes and also money for the seeds."
English Equivalent:
"Two birds with one stone."
Usage Example:
➡ Hindi: इस योजना से हमें पैसे भी बचेंगे और लाभ भी मिलेगा।
➡ English: This plan will save us money and also bring profits. Two birds with one stone.
6. अपने पैरों पर कुल्हाड़ी मारना (Apne Pairon Par Kulhadi Maarna)
Literal Meaning:
"To cut your own foot with an axe."
English Equivalent:
"To dig your own grave."
Usage Example:
➡ Hindi: अपने ही दोस्त से झगड़ कर उसने अपने पैरों पर कुल्हाड़ी मार ली।
➡ English: By fighting with his friend, he dug his own grave.
7. घर का भेदी लंका ढाए (Ghar Ka Bhedi Lanka Dhaaye)
Literal Meaning:
"A house insider destroys the kingdom."
English Equivalent:
"Betrayal comes from within."
Usage Example:
➡ Hindi: उसकी टीम में एक व्यक्ति ने सारी गोपनीय जानकारी लीक कर दी।
➡ English: Someone in his team leaked all the confidential information. Betrayal comes from within.
8. भगवान के घर देर है, अंधेर नहीं (Bhagwan Ke Ghar Der Hai, Andher Nahi)
Literal Meaning:
"There is a delay in God's house, but no darkness."
English Equivalent:
"Justice delayed is not justice denied."
Usage Example:
➡ Hindi: आखिरकार उसे न्याय मिला। भगवान के घर देर है, अंधेर नहीं।
➡ English: He finally got justice. Justice delayed is not justice denied.
Conclusion
Understanding Hindi idioms and their English equivalents helps in better communication and avoiding translation mistakes. Direct translations often fail to capture the correct meaning, so learning idioms in both Hindi and English is essential.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Never translate idioms word-for-word.
✔ Understand the real meaning before translating.
✔ Use idioms in the correct context.
🔗 Related Articles You May Like: