Word Meaning
दो-क़दम
do-qadam
hinoun phrase
Meaning
A distance of two paces; a very short distance or brief interval.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetry, 'do-qadam' literally means a distance of merely two paces, figuratively denoting extreme proximity or brevity. In this couplet, it emphasizes how sheer weakness and exhaustion make even an infinitesimally short path feel like an endless, daunting journey.
Etymology
Compound of Persian/Indo-Aryan 'do' (two) and Arabic 'qadam' (pace, step, foot).
Usage
Commonly invoked in the ghazal to symbolize the fleeting nature of life or the lover's utter enervation.
Examples
Walking just two steps in your lane is a blessing.
This mortal life is but a journey of two steps.
Synonyms
कम फ़ासलाअल्प दूरीचंद क़दम
Related Words
क़दमराहसफ़रमंज़िल