अब पछताए होत क्या जब चूहे खा गए दाना

/əb pəʈɑːeː hoːt kʲɑː dʒəb tʃʰuːeː kʰɑː gəeː dɑːnɑː/◆proverb
too late to repent

अब पछताए होत क्या जब चूहे खा गए दाना?

What’s the use of repenting now when the mice have eaten the grain?

◆ What It Really Means
It is futile to regret or repent after the damage has already occurred.
Literal Meaning
What’s the use of repenting now when the mice have eaten the grain?
Literal Breakdown
अबnow+पछताए होत क्याwhat’s the use of repenting+जब चूहे खा गए दानाwhen the mice have eaten the grain
◇ Mental Image
The mental picture is of stored grain being completely devoured by mice, leaving nothing to salvage. The act of repenting is rendered meaningless because the opportunity to act has passed.
◈ When to Use
Imagine a student who procrastinated studying for an exam and failed. A friend might say this proverb to console them by pointing out that it’s too late to change the past, but they can focus on preparing better for the next opportunity.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the agrarian roots of Hindi-speaking societies, where grain storage was critical for survival. The imagery of mice eating grain symbolizes irreversible loss due to negligence, a theme that resonates universally across cultures.
informal

An expression used to convey that it is pointless to regret or repent after the damage has already been done.

तुमने पहले ध्यान नहीं दिया, अब पछताए होत क्या जब चूहे खा गए दाना?

You didn’t pay attention earlier; what’s the use of repenting now when the mice have eaten the grain?

अगर तुमने समय पर काम पूरा कर लिया होता, तो अब पछताने की जरूरत नहीं थी।

If you had finished the work on time, you wouldn’t need to repent now.

Often used to scold someone for their negligence or delay in acting at the right time.

Pro Tip

When to use this proverb

Use this proverb when someone regrets an action (or inaction) after the opportunity has passed. It serves as a gentle or stern reminder to focus on the present and future rather than dwelling on past mistakes.

Gold Rule

Timing is crucial

This proverb underscores that actions taken at the right time yield better results. Delay often leads to irreversible consequences.

Word Origin

This proverb originates from the literal scenario where mice eat stored grain, making repentance futile. It metaphorically extends to any situation where delayed action leads to irreversible consequences.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in Hindi-speaking regions to emphasize the importance of timely action. It is often employed in informal conversations, advice, or reprimands.

Word Breakdown

अब
now
adverb
+
पछताए
to repent
verb (past participle)
+
होत
is/are
verb
+
क्या
what
interrogative pronoun
+
जब
when
conjunction
+
चूहे
mice
noun
+
खा गए
ate (up)
verb (past perfect)
+
दाना
grain
noun
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश