Word Meaning
खोलीं
kholīñ
Meaning
Opened, untied, or loosened (feminine plural past tense).
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'खोलीं' is the past-tense plural feminine form of the verb 'खोलना' (to loosen, unbind, or untie), agreeing grammatically with 'ज़ुल्फ़ें' (tresses). It refers to the act of undoing or disheveling one's hair, a moment that briefly reveals or distracts the gaze. In classical Urdu poetry, unbinding the hair is an evocative gesture signaling either intense sorrow, unveiling, or alluring bewilderment.
Etymology
Hindustani, from Middle Indo-Aryan, related to Prakrit 'khollei' and connected to Sanskrit roots implying to loosen, unfasten, or unveil.
Usage
In classical ghazals, this verbal form commonly pairs with words for tresses (ज़ुल्फ़, गेसू) or knots (गिरह, उक़्दा) to convey either revelation or profound entanglement.
Examples
She loosened her dark locks and twilight descended.
When they opened the knot, a hundred secrets appeared.