अंधे की लाठी होना

/ən.dʱeː kiː lɑː.tʰiː ɦoː.nɑː/idiom
to be a lifeline

उसकी नौकरी गयी तो उसके लिए उसकी पत्नी ही अंधे की लाठी हो गयी।

After he lost his job, his wife became his lifeline.


What It Really Means
To serve as a crucial support or lifeline in a difficult situation.
Literal Meaning
To be the stick of a blind person.
Literal Breakdown
अंधेa blind person+की लाठीstick+होनाto be
Mental Image
A blind person relying on a stick for navigation and support in darkness.
When to Use
Describing a situation where someone or something becomes indispensable during hardship, such as a supportive family member during financial crisis or a backup generator during a power outage.
Cultural Note
The phrase reflects the cultural value placed on mutual support and interdependence in times of need, emphasizing the importance of having a reliable source of help.
informal

Someone or something that provides crucial support or assistance in a difficult situation.

गाँव में जब बिजली नहीं थी तो जनरेटर ही लोगों के लिए अंधे की लाठी बना हुआ था।

When there was no electricity in the village, the generator became everyone's lifeline.

उसके पिता की मृत्यु के बाद उसकी माँ ने ही उसे अंधे की लाठी की तरह संभाला।

After his father's death, his mother supported him like a lifeline.

Often used to describe a person, object, or resource that becomes indispensable during hardship.

Related Phrases

Pro Tip

Contextual Usage

Use this idiom when describing something or someone that provides essential support during a crisis or difficult phase. For example, 'उसकी दोस्ती ही उसकी अंधे की लाठी थी' (His friendship was his lifeline).

Gold Rule

Avoid Literal Interpretation

This idiom is always used figuratively. Do not interpret it as referring to an actual blind person's stick.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from the literal image of a blind person using a stick (लाठी) for support. Over time, it metaphorically evolved to describe anything or anyone that provides essential support in challenging circumstances.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in everyday speech to emphasize the critical role of someone or something during tough times. Avoid using it in formal contexts where literal clarity is required.

Word Breakdown

अंधे
blind person
noun
+
की
of
postposition
+
लाठी
stick
noun
+
होना
to be
verb
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