Word Meaning
पहलू-तही
pahlū-tahī
Meaning
Avoidance, evasion, withdrawing, or stepping aside.
Detailed Meaning
Literally translating to 'emptying the flank' or clearing the side, this compound idiomatically denotes evasion, deliberate withdrawal, or dodging an encounter. In this couplet, it refers to the beloved's cold evasion and attempt to avoid the speaker. The lover counters this with lofty self-respect, declaring that if the beloved chooses to step aside, he too will gladly vacate the space.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'pahlū' (side, flank) and 'tahī' (empty, void).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, it is frequently paired with verbs like 'karnā' to depict the beloved's disdainful evasion of intimacy.
Examples
pahlū-tahī karnā (to evade or turn aside)
pahlū-tahī kī rāh (the path of avoidance)