चुल्लू भर पानी में डूब मरना

chullū bhar pānī mẽ ḍūb marnā
idiom★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To overreact or fail due to a trivial or insignificant issue, often due to lack of perspective or disproportionate reaction.
Literal Meaning
To drown and die in a small cup of water.
Literal Breakdown
चुल्लू भर पानीa small cup full of water+डूबto drown+मरनाto die
◇ Mental Image
The mental image is of someone drowning in a tiny amount of water, which is absurd and highlights the disproportionate reaction.
◈ When to Use
A person quits their job over a minor disagreement with a colleague, and someone says, 'वह चुल्लू भर पानी में डूब मर गया।' (He drowned in a drop of water.)
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects a cultural emphasis on perspective and proportionality in dealing with problems. Overreacting to small issues is often seen as foolish or immature.
informal

To die or fail over something trivial or insignificant, often due to overreaction or lack of perspective.

वह चुल्लू भर पानी में डूब मर गया।

He died over a drop of water.

💡

This idiom is used to criticize someone who overreacts to minor issues or fails due to trivial problems.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

चुल्लू भर पानी में डूबनाidiom
To be overwhelmed by something trivial

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this idiom when someone is making a big deal out of a small problem.

📖Word Origin

The idiom comes from the absurdity of drowning in a small amount of water, highlighting the disproportionate reaction to minor issues.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used humorously or sarcastically to mock someone's overreaction.

Word Breakdown

चुल्लू
small cup or ladle
root
+
भर
full
root
+
पानी
water
root
+
डूब
to drown
root
+
मरना
to die
root
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