निगाह

Meaning

Glance, look, gaze, vision, or watchful attention.

Detailed Meaning

In classical Urdu poetry, 'nigah' signifies a glance, eye, or focused attention, often acting as a medium of flirtation, benevolence, or cruelty. In this couplet, it denotes the beloved's calculating gaze lingering covetously over the lover's heart. It underscores the irony of desiring to acquire the heart without offering a single kiss in exchange.

Etymology

Persian 'نگاه' (nigāh), meaning look, glance, sight, or observation.

Usage

A central trope in the ghazal tradition, where a single 'nigah' can either revive the lover with grace or annihilate him with disdain.

Examples

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Related Words