खाक छानना

khāk chānānā
idiomIntermediateidiom
What It Really Means
To search thoroughly or investigate meticulously, often with persistence and determination.
Literal Meaning
To sift through dust.
Literal Breakdown
खाकdust+छाननाto sift
Mental Image
The mental image is of someone sifting through dust or debris to find something valuable or hidden, symbolizing a thorough and persistent search.
When to Use
A detective is investigating a crime and says, 'I will sift through the dust to find the truth,' meaning they will leave no stone unturned in their investigation.
Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the cultural value of persistence and thoroughness in Indian society, where diligent effort is often praised and rewarded.
informal

To search thoroughly or investigate meticulously, often with persistence and determination.

वह खाक छानकर भी अपना गायब सामान ढूँढ लेगा।

He will search thoroughly and find his missing belongings.

पुलिस ने अपराध के सबूत ढूँढने के लिए खाक छानना शुरू किया।

The police began to investigate thoroughly to find evidence of the crime.

💡

This idiom emphasizes a relentless and exhaustive search, often used in contexts where someone is determined to find something or solve a problem.

Collocations

खाक छानकरafter searching thoroughlyखाक छानने के लिएin order to search thoroughly

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

खाक छानकरphrase
after searching thoroughly
खाक छानने का प्रयासphrase
an attempt to search thoroughly

💡Pro Tip

Usage in Formal Contexts

This idiom can be used in formal contexts such as legal investigations or professional searches, but it is also common in everyday language.

Gold Rule

Emphasis on Thoroughness

The idiom emphasizes the thoroughness and persistence of the search, so it is often used when the search is difficult or the stakes are high.

📖Word Origin

The idiom combines 'खाक' (dust) and 'छानना' (to sift), metaphorically representing the act of sifting through dust or debris to find something valuable or hidden.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a thorough and persistent search. It can be applied to physical searches, investigations, or even metaphorical searches for solutions or answers.

Word Breakdown

खाक
dust
root
+
छानना
to sift
root
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश