कंगन पहनकर दिखाना

/kəŋɡən pəhənkər dɪkʰaːnaː/
phraseIntermediate show off wealth ostentatiouslyidiom
What It Really Means
To boastfully display one's wealth or possessions in a way that is meant to impress others, often in an ostentatious or vulgar manner.
Literal Meaning
To wear a bangle and show it to others.
Literal Breakdown
कंगनa piece of jewelry worn around the wrist+पहनकरhaving put on or worn+दिखानाto show or display
Mental Image
Imagine someone walking around with large, flashy gold bangles on their wrists, making sure everyone notices them while moving their arms dramatically.
When to Use
At a family gathering, a relative who recently bought a new car parks it right in front of the house entrance and stays nearby to ensure everyone sees it and comments on their wealth.
Cultural Note
In traditional Indian society, gold jewelry (especially bangles) has long been a symbol of wealth and marital status for women. The idiom reflects the cultural practice of displaying such wealth publicly, though modern usage extends to any ostentatious display of material success.
informal

To display wealth or possessions in a boastful or ostentatious manner to impress others, often in a way that is considered vulgar or excessive.

उसने अपनी नई गाड़ी घर के सामने खड़ी करके सबको दिखाया।

He parked his new car in front of the house just to show it off to everyone.

उसने सोने के गहने पहनकर सबके सामने चलाया।

She flaunted her gold jewelry by walking around in front of everyone.

💡

Often used to describe someone who wants to prove their financial status or success through material displays.

Related Phrases

पैसे उड़ानाidiom
to spend money lavishly to show off

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

In Hindi-speaking cultures, displaying wealth through jewelry or possessions is often seen as a way to assert social status. However, excessive flaunting may be viewed negatively as 'showing off'.

Gold Rule

Idiom vs Literal Meaning

This phrase is almost always used figuratively to describe boastful wealth display, not the literal act of wearing a bangle.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines 'कंगन' (kangana, meaning 'bangle' or 'bracelet') and the verb 'पहनकर दिखाना' (pahanakar dikhana, meaning 'to wear and show'). Historically, wearing gold bangles was a symbol of wealth in Indian culture, especially among women. The act of displaying them publicly became associated with ostentatious wealth display.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is often used in a critical or mocking tone to describe someone who is trying too hard to impress others with their wealth. It can also imply a lack of humility or subtlety in social settings.

Word Breakdown

कंगन
bangle or bracelet
noun
+
पहनकर
having worn
gerund
+
दिखाना
to show or display
verb
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश