दाबी

Meaning

Buried, concealed, or pressed down (especially of smoldering fire or embers).

Detailed Meaning

In classical Urdu poetry, 'dābī' is the feminine past tense form of the verb 'dābnā' (to press, bury, or suppress). In this couplet, it refers to burying or smothering live embers beneath ashes so that they smolder invisibly, metaphorical for concealing the unbearable fire of love in the speaker's chest. The poet laments why this burning agony was buried inside his heart rather than anywhere else.

Etymology

From Prakrit, tracing back to Sanskrit root related to 'damana' (subduing) or 'dābh' (pressing down), evolving into Hindustani 'dābnā'.

Usage

In the ghazal tradition, 'aag daabna' (burying fire) is a classic image for holding suppressed, burning passion inside the heart.

Examples

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Related Words