फूँक फूँक कर क़दम रखना

phū̃k phū̃k kar qadam rakhnā
idiomIntermediateidiom
informal

To proceed very carefully or cautiously, often with great deliberation or fear of making a mistake.

वह फूँक फूँक कर क़दम रखते हुए उस खतरनाक रास्ते पर आगे बढ़ा।

He proceeded down the dangerous path, taking each step very carefully.

फूँक फूँक कर क़दम रखते हुए, वह नए ऑफिस में अपनी पहली प्रस्तुति दे रहा था।

Taking each step cautiously, he was delivering his first presentation in the new office.

💡

This idiom emphasizes extreme caution, often due to fear, uncertainty, or the importance of the task.

Collocations

फूँक फूँक करvery carefullyक़दम रखनाto take steps

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

हौले-हौले चलनाphrase
to move slowly
सावधानी से काम करनाphrase
to work carefully

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This idiom is often used when describing someone who is nervous, uncertain, or dealing with a high-stakes situation.

Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative

While the phrase literally describes physical movement, it is almost always used figuratively to describe cautious behavior in any context.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines 'फूँक फूँक कर' (literally 'breath by breath') with 'क़दम रखना' (to take steps), creating a vivid image of someone moving with extreme caution.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone who is being very cautious or deliberate in their actions.

Word Breakdown

फूँक फूँक कर
breath by breath
phrase
+
क़दम
step
root
+
रखना
to place or take
verb
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