Word Meaning
लहना
lehnā
hiverb
Meaning
To gain, obtain, or receive; profit, share, or due reward.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu, 'lehnā' functions as a verb or verbal noun meaning to gain, acquire, or receive one's due or profit. In this couplet, Ghalib laments that his personal effort yields nothing, as calamity is destined to strike regardless of his labor. The word highlights the utter fruitlessness of striving against an adverse fate.
Etymology
Derived through Prakrit from the Sanskrit root 'लभ्' (labh, meaning 'to obtain' or 'to gain'), cognate with Punjabi 'लहिणा'.
Usage
Common in classical Rekhta and older Hindustani idioms to signify reaping benefit or obtaining one's allotted share.
Examples
Nothing was to be gained from that long struggle.
Whatever gain was destined never came to hand.
Synonyms
पानाहासिल होनाफ़ायदानफ़ा
Related Words
स'ईहक़किश्तख़िर्मन