Word Meaning
कोतह
kotah
hiadjective
Meaning
Short, deficient, falling short, or unable to reach.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'kotah' denotes shortness in length or inadequacy of reach. In this couplet, it describes the hand falling short of reaching or tearing the collar (garebān), reflecting an unfulfilled desire or physical limitation. The poet reconciles that even if reach fails at the collar, one's own skirt or lap (dāman) still remains firmly in hand.
Etymology
Persian 'kūtāh' (کوتاہ), shortened poetically to 'kotah' (کوتہ), meaning short or brief.
Usage
Commonly compounded as 'dast-e kotah' (short hand) in ghazals to express helplessness, failure to attain the beloved, or modesty.
Examples
dast-e-kotah (a powerless or short hand)
umr-e-kotah (a brief life)
Synonyms
छोटाक़ासिरनाक़िसमुख़्तसर
Related Words
कोताहीदस्ते-कोतहकोतह-बीन