Word Meaning
दम-ब-दम
dam-ba-dam
Meaning
Every moment; continually; breath by breath; constantly.
Detailed Meaning
In classical poetry, 'dam-ba-dam' denotes an action or state occurring continually, breath by breath, or at every successive instant. In this couplet, it describes the torturous and repetitive hesitation of the beloved or executioner constantly resting a hand on the sword, intensifying the speaker's restless impatience for a decisive blow.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'dam' (breath/moment) + preposition 'ba' (by/at) + 'dam' (breath/moment).
Usage
Commonly employed in the ghazal to convey the ceaseless progression of time, relentless yearning, or repeated sighs.
Examples
Sighs arose from the burning chest moment by moment.
The ache of separation deepened continually with every breath.