दस्तरस

Meaning

Reach, grasp, access, power, or ability to attain something.

Detailed Meaning

'Dastaras' denotes reach, access, mastery, or the capacity to attain a desired object. In Ghalib's couplet, it refers to the hopeless reality of one's grasp over fulfilling deep desires, acknowledging that union with wish is unattainable. Consequently, the lover prefers the power of pulling back one's skirt in detachment rather than futilely stretching toward it.

Etymology

Persian: compound of 'dast' (hand) and 'ras' (reaching/attaining, from 'rasīdan').

Usage

Commonly used in ghazal poetry to lament the lover's inability to reach the beloved or fulfill elusive desires.

Examples

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Related Words