Word Meaning
पहलू
pehlu
hinoun
Meaning
Side, flank, bosom, aspect, or physical proximity to someone.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'pehlu' denotes the flank, side, or bosom, often signifying closeness and intimacy with the beloved. In the cited couplet, it forms part of the idiom 'pehlu-tahi' (evasion, withdrawing one's side), expressing the beloved's deliberate reluctance to embrace or show affection.
Etymology
Persian (پہلو / pahlū), meaning side, rib, or flank.
Usage
Widely used in the ghazal to convey intimate proximity when sitting together or cold avoidance when paired with 'tahi'.
Examples
To sit close by someone's side
To evade or turn away from someone
Synonyms
बग़लपार्श्वगोदरुख़
Related Words
पहलू-तहीपहलू-ब-पहलूपहलू-गर्म