Word Meaning
रखी
rakhi
hiverb
Meaning
Kept, placed, or maintained (feminine past tense form of to keep).
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetry, 'rakhi' is the feminine past tense of the verb 'rakhna' (to keep or place). In this couplet, it appears in the sense of not holding or putting the sleeve to the face ('munh par na rakhi aasteen') to hide grief or wipe weeping eyes. It highlights unreserved, raw suffering and refusal to veil one's tears.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'rakṣati' (protects, preserves) through Prakrit 'rakkhaï' into Hindustani 'rakhna'.
Usage
Frequently occurs in ghazals in the context of maintaining honor, keeping secrets, or placing hands and sleeves over the face in grief.
Examples
She did not keep any hope alive.
He did not place a hand over his weeping eyes.
Synonyms
धरीलगाईक़ायम की
Related Words
रखनारखरखा