Word Meaning
ज़माना-साज़ी
zamāna-sāzī
Meaning
Worldly tact, opportunism, diplomatic dissimulation, or conforming hypocritically to social conventions.
Detailed Meaning
Refers to the pragmatic or hypocritical worldly wisdom required to fit in with societal expectations. In this couplet, it denotes the shrewd diplomacy of social interaction, the lack of which leads to misunderstanding or alienation. Classical poetry often contrasts this cynical worldliness with the pure, uncalculated sincerity of the lover.
Etymology
Arabic 'zamān' (time, era, world) + Persian 'sāzī' (making, fashioning, from sākhtan).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, it carries a cynical undertone, often pitted against genuine love and unvarnished truth.
Examples
Failing to master worldly tact, one ends up humiliated.
We could never accept the deceit of worldly compromise.