Word Meaning
दौ
dau
hinoun
Meaning
Running, exertion, striving, or pursuit.
Detailed Meaning
Derived from the Persian verbal root for running, 'dau' signifies physical or metaphorical exertion and striving. In the couplet, it appears within the compound 'be-tag-o-dau' (without striving), underscoring that spiritual or worldly perfection cannot be achieved without toil. It highlights the restless endeavor essential to human progress.
Etymology
From Persian 'dav' (دو), the present stem of 'davīdan' (دویدن), meaning to run.
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, it rarely appears in isolation; it is almost always compounded, as in 'tag-o-dau' or 'dau-dhūp', to evoke existential struggle.
Examples
A lifetime spent in restless striving and effort.
Nothing was achieved from this worldly toil.
Synonyms
सईजद्दोजहदभाग-दौड़कोशिश
Related Words
तग-ओ-दौदौ-धूपदौड़