उल्टी गंगा बहाना

ultī gaṅgā bahānā
idiomIntermediateidiom
informal

To do something in the wrong or opposite direction; to reverse or undo a process or action.

उल्टी गंगा बहाना मत करो, पहले से ही सब गलत हो गया है।

Don't reverse the process, everything has already gone wrong.

💡

This idiom is often used to criticize someone for taking actions that undo or complicate a situation.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

उलटा करनाphrase
to reverse or undo something
गंगा बहानाphrase
to make the Ganges flow (literal meaning)

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This idiom is best used when referring to actions that are counterproductive or undo previous efforts.

Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative

Remember that this is an idiom and should not be taken literally. It refers to actions, not actual rivers.

📖Word Origin

The phrase literally means 'to make the Ganges flow backward,' which is impossible in reality. It metaphorically represents doing something that is unnatural or counterproductive.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts to express frustration or disapproval of actions that reverse progress or create unnecessary complications.

Word Breakdown

उल्टी
reverse, opposite
adjective
+
गंगा
the Ganges (a sacred river in India)
noun
+
बहाना
to flow
verb
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश