ऊँट के मुँह में जीरा

ūṃṭ ke muṃh mẽ jīrā◆idiom
insufficient for the need

उस गाँव में पानी की इतनी कमी थी कि लोगों को ऊँट के मुँह में जीरा डालने जैसा हाल था।

There was such a severe water shortage in that village that people were in a situation where it was like putting a pinch of cumin in a camel's mouth.

◆ What It Really Means
an inadequate amount given to someone who needs a lot
Literal Meaning
a pinch of cumin in a camel's mouth
Literal Breakdown
ऊँटcamel+मुँहmouth+जीराcumin
◇ Mental Image
A vast, hungry camel with a tiny speck of cumin in its mouth, emphasizing the absurdity of the gesture.
◈ When to Use
A person donates a small sum of money to a charity that requires a large amount, or a government provides minimal aid during a crisis.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the cultural understanding of camels as large animals with enormous appetites, making the act of feeding them a tiny amount of cumin both impractical and humorous.
informal

a very small amount given to someone who needs a lot, making the help practically useless

सरकार ने किसानों को मुश्किल वक्त में सिर्फ दस हज़ार रुपये दिए, मानो ऊँट के मुँह में जीरा डाल दिया हो।

The government gave farmers just ten thousand rupees during tough times, as if putting a pinch of cumin in a camel's mouth.

Often used to criticize inadequate support or aid.

Related Phrases

घी के दिये जलानाidiom
to do something in a grand manner but with little practical benefit
राई का पहाड़ बनानाidiom
to make a mountain out of a molehill

Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this idiom when criticizing someone for providing help that is so minimal it feels mocking or pointless. It works well in discussions about social welfare, charity, or personal favors.

Gold Rule

Idiom vs. Literal Meaning

Always use this idiom to describe situations where the help given is disproportionately small compared to the need. Never use it literally.

Usage Notes

This idiom highlights the absurdity of offering an insignificant amount to someone facing a massive need. It is commonly used in contexts of charity, government aid, or personal support.

Word Breakdown

ऊँट
camel
root
+
के मुँह
in the mouth of
phrase
+
में जीरा
is cumin
phrase
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश