Word Meaning
खो
kho
Meaning
To be lost, misplaced, destroyed, or wander away.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu and Hindi poetry, 'खो' is the verbal stem of 'खोना' (to lose), functioning here as part of the compound verb 'खो गया' (was lost or destroyed). In this couplet, it signifies the destruction or loss of a worldly nest or dwelling ('nasheman'). The poet conveys that losing one refuge should bring no grief when the entire realm of spiritual and emotional expression still remains open.
Etymology
From Sanskrit 'क्षय' (kṣaya, destruction/loss) via Prakrit 'खोवइ' (khovaï), developing into Hindavi 'खोना'.
Usage
Commonly employed in classical ghazal to express either the painful forfeiture of worldly desires or mystical absorption in the beloved.
Examples
To lose oneself in contemplation.
The nest was lost to the stormy winds.