Word Meaning
राज़-दाँ
rāz-dāñ
Meaning
A confidant, secret-keeper, or intimate friend who knows one's secrets.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'rāz-dāñ' denotes an intimate confidant entrusted with the lover's hidden pain and secret longing. In this couplet by Ghalib, the poet reproaches his sympathizer whose lack of emotional endurance led to the disclosure of his sorrow and public disgrace. It emphasizes that only someone capable of enduring the immense weight of love's grief is worthy of being trusted with such secrets.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'rāz' (secret, mystery) and the present stem 'dān' (from 'dānistan', to know).
Usage
Commonly invoked in the ghazal tradition to explore themes of betrayal, discretion, and the tragic consequences of misplaced trust.
Examples
None proved a true confidant in my grief.
Do not make every companion the confidant of your heart.