Word Meaning
लड़
laṛ
Meaning
To fight, quarrel, or dispute; used here as an imperative meaning 'do not argue'.
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'laṛ' is the imperative form of the Hindustani verb 'laṛnā', meaning to quarrel, dispute, or wrangle. Ghalib addresses himself, advising against engaging in useless confrontation with the moral preacher (nāsiḥ) who has spoken harshly. The poet suggests that instead of fighting with the counselor, grief and passion can be turned inward by tearing one's own collar.
Etymology
Derived from Old Hindi / Prakrit roots connected with clashing or disputing.
Usage
In classical ghazal poetry, it often appears in the negative imperative when counseling the lover not to waste time squabbling with the preacher or the rival.
Examples
Do not quarrel with fate over fleeting sorrow
Why argue with the preacher in vain?