Word Meaning
ग़म्माज़
ghammāz
Meaning
An informer, talebearer, or something that betrays or reveals a hidden secret.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'ghammāz' denotes an informer, talebearer, or betrayer who brings concealed matters to light. In the cited couplet, it is applied metaphorically to the sparse foliage of a branch, which betrayed the bird's concealed nest to the hunter. It personifies a circumstance or physical sign as a traitor that exposes vulnerability.
Etymology
Arabic root غ-م-ز (gh-m-z), associated with winking, signaling, gesturing, or slandering.
Usage
In ghazals, it is frequently used metaphorically for tears, blushes, or sighing winds that betray the lover's carefully guarded secret of passion.
Examples
Tears acted as the informer of hidden grief.
A pale face was the betrayer of a secret passion.