Word Meaning
यक-मुशत
yak-musht
Meaning
A handful, a fistful; all at once or in a single mass.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning a single fistful or handful, it often describes a small, fragile amount of remains or a lump quantity. In this couplet, it describes 'yak-musht par' (a handful of feathers), pointing toward the tragic remains of the slaughtered or ruined nightingale. It evokes poignancy by reducing a vibrant living lover to merely a fistful of discarded feathers.
Etymology
Persian: compound of 'yak' (one) and 'musht' (fist, handful).
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, it frequently appears as an idafa construction like 'yak-musht-e-par' or 'yak-musht-e-khaak' to depict the insignificance or tragic end of the lover.
Examples
Yak-musht-e-khaak ban ke hawa mein bikhar gaya
Dil ka qissa tha faqat yak-musht-e-par