जिसकी ताकत उसकी बात

/d͡ʒɪskʰiː taːkət̪ ʊskiː baːt̪/◆idiom
might makes right

उसके पास ताकत है, इसलिए उसकी बात मान ली गई।

He had the power, so his word was accepted.

◆ What It Really Means
The principle that power determines who gets to make decisions or enforce rules, regardless of fairness or truth.
Literal Meaning
Whose strength, their word.
Literal Breakdown
जिसकीwhose+ताकतstrength+उसकीhis/her+बातword
◇ Mental Image
A mental picture of a physical struggle where the stronger party forces their will upon others, silencing dissent through sheer power.
◈ When to Use
Two colleagues debate a project decision. The senior manager, despite knowing the junior's idea is better, imposes their own plan because they have authority. A coworker might mutter, 'जिसकी ताकत उसकी बात,' to express frustration.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom critiques India's historical power structures, from feudal lords to modern corporate hierarchies. It resonates with global proverbs like 'might makes right' but carries unique cultural weight in Hindi-speaking contexts.
informal

A principle asserting that those with power or strength dictate outcomes or decisions, often overriding fairness or morality.

राजा ने अपने आदेशों को लागू कराया क्योंकि उसकी ताकत थी, यही 'जिसकी ताकत उसकी बात' है।

The king enforced his orders because he had the power—this is 'might makes right'.

कंपनी में मालिक की बात चलती है क्योंकि उसकी ताकत है, चाहे कर्मचारियों की बात सही क्यों न हो।

In the company, the owner's word prevails because he has the power, even if employees are right.

Often used critically to highlight injustice or abuse of power.

Related Phrases

जिसकी लाठी उसकी भैंसproverb
He who has the stick owns the buffalo (might makes right in rural contexts).

Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This idiom reflects India's historical caste and feudal systems, where power often determined social and legal outcomes. Modern usage critiques such systemic inequalities.

Gold Rule

Avoid Justifying Power Abuse

Never use this phrase to justify oppression. It describes a social reality, not a moral ideal.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from traditional Hindi proverbial wisdom, reflecting historical power dynamics in Indian society. The literal components—'जिसकी' (whose), 'ताकत' (strength), 'उसकी' (his/her), and 'बात' (word/speech)—combine to emphasize the supremacy of physical or social power in decision-making.

Usage Notes

Primarily used in informal or critical contexts to describe situations where power dynamics override logic or ethics. Avoid using in formal or neutral settings unless quoting a proverb.

Word Breakdown

जिसकी
whose
pronoun
+
ताकत
strength/power
noun
+
उसकी
his/her
pronoun
+
बात
word/speech
noun
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश