पानी पानी होना
जब उसने अपने गलती का एहसास किया, तो वह पानी-पानी हो गया।
When he realized his mistake, he was overwhelmed with shame.
to feel extreme shame or embarrassment to the point of wanting to hide or disappear
उसकी गलती सामने आने पर सबके सामने वह पानी-पानी हो गया।
When his mistake came to light in front of everyone, he was overcome with shame.
उसकी आवाज़ सुनकर सब पानी-पानी हो गए।
Everyone was overwhelmed with shame upon hearing his voice.
Often used when someone is caught doing something embarrassing or wrong and feels deeply humiliated.
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Pro Tip
Usage Context
Use 'पानी पानी होना' when someone feels extreme shame or embarrassment in a social setting, such as being caught in a lie or making a public mistake.
Gold Rule
Idiom vs. Literal Meaning
This is an idiom meaning 'to feel ashamed.' Do not interpret it literally as 'to become water.'
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'पानी' (water) with the verb 'होना' (to become), metaphorically suggesting the desire to 'dissolve' or 'hide' like water, reflecting the feeling of being overwhelmed by shame.
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in informal and emotional contexts, particularly when someone is publicly embarrassed or humiliated. It conveys a stronger sense of shame than 'शर्मिंदा होना' alone.