Word Meaning
हलाहल
halāhal
hinoun
Meaning
Deadly, lethal poison; fatal venom.
Detailed Meaning
Halāhal denotes an intensely lethal or mortal poison, often compounded as 'zahr-e-halāhal'. In this couplet, it represents unpalatable truth or bitter reality, which the speaker refuses to compromise on or disguise as sugar (qand). It highlights integrity and defiance against false flattery despite social alienation.
Etymology
Sanskrit (हलाहल / halāhala), borrowed into Persian and Urdu poetry.
Usage
In Urdu ghazal, 'zahr-e-halāhal' is classically paired with 'qand' (sugar) to contrast harsh, uncompromising truth with pleasing falsehood.
Examples
Drinking the cup of halāhal with a smile
To mistake deadly halāhal for sweet sugar
Synonyms
विषकालकूटमाहुर
Related Words
ज़हरक़ंदआब-ए-हयात