Word Meaning
ज़हरा
zahra
Meaning
Gallbladder; metaphorically courage, fortitude, spirit, or bold resolve.
Detailed Meaning
Literally referring to the gallbladder (bile), 'zahra' in Persian and Urdu poetic idiom symbolizes inner fortitude, nerve, or fearlessness. In the given couplet by Ghalib, 'zahra-e-abr aab tha' employs the idiom 'zahra aab hona' (to be utterly terrified or lose one's nerve), conveying that the intense burning of the poet's heart melted the cloud's very courage and resolve into liquid terror.
Etymology
Persian 'zahreh' (زَهره), meaning gall, gallbladder, or courage; distinct from the Arabic loanword 'zuhrah' (Venus).
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, it frequently appears in idioms like 'zahra aab hona' to portray extreme dread or overpowering awe.
Examples
Darr se uska zahra aab ho gaya
Sher ki dahad sun kar dushman ka zahra chhoot gaya