Word Meaning
बचा
bachā
Meaning
To protect, shield, keep safe, or guard from harm.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetry, 'बचा' (especially in the reduplicated phrasing 'बचा बचा के') implies guarding something fragile with utmost care or extreme caution. In this famous couplet by Iqbal, it refers to overprotecting the heart or soul from life's wounds and suffering. The poet cautions against shielding the mirror of the self too meticulously, as a shattered heart holds a greater and more beloved status in the eyes of God (the mirror-maker).
Etymology
From Sanskrit 'वञ्च्' (vañc, meaning to avoid, move warily) via Prakrit, giving rise to Hindi-Urdu 'बचना' (bachnā) and its causative 'बचाना' (bachānā).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'बचा बचा के' is frequently employed to capture the beloved's cautious glances, the lover's wariness of worldly reproach, or the protective nurturing of a fragile heart.
Examples
To walk shielding one's hem from thorns
To preserve one's heart carefully