Word Meaning
तलफ़
talaf
hinoun
Meaning
Wasted, ruined, destroyed, or lost.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'talaf' refers to destruction, waste, or ruin, usually involving valuable life, emotion, or effort. In this couplet, it urges the seeker not to squander their vital spirit and inner sacrifice ('khoon-e-jigar') upon transient, external idols. It carries a heavy sense of irreplaceable loss.
Etymology
Arabic (تَلَف, talaf), signifying ruin, loss, destruction, or perishability.
Usage
In ghazal poetry, it commonly forms compound verbs with 'karna' or 'hona' to lament the tragic squandering of youth, love, or life.
Examples
Do not let your precious youth go to waste.
A life spent in lamentation was utterly ruined.
Synonyms
ज़ायाबर्बादहलाकफ़ना
Related Words
तलफ़ करनातलफ़ होनाइतलाफ़