Word Meaning
खाया
khaya
Meaning
Ate, consumed, or ingested; metaphorically endured or suffered.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning to eat or consume food, the past tense verb 'khaya' frequently acquires figurative nuances in poetry. In this couplet by Ghalib, it functions within the idiom 'khoon-e-dil khana' (to consume one's own heart's blood), describing profound inner torment and sorrow. It is also paired here with the medical imagery of chyme (kaymoos) to depict nourishment derived solely from grief.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'खादति' (khādati, to eat/chew) through Prakrit 'खादइ' (khādaï) into Hindustani.
Usage
In classical ghazal, it commonly forms idioms of endurance like 'ग़म खाना' (to grieve), 'धोखा खाना' (to be deceived), or 'ख़ून खाना' (to suffer anguish).
Examples
I endured sorrow throughout life.
The heart drank its own blood in secret.