फूँक फूँक कर क़दम रखना

/pʰũːk pʰũːk kəɾ qəd̪əm rəknə/◆idiom
proceed with caution

उसने फूँक फूँक कर क़दम रखा क्योंकि जमीन फिसलन भरी थी।

He stepped carefully because the ground was slippery.

◆ What It Really Means
To act with extreme caution due to fear of negative consequences.
Literal Meaning
To place steps after blowing gently (to test the ground).
Literal Breakdown
फूँकblowing gently to test the firmness of the ground+करdoing+क़दम रखनाplacing a step
◇ Mental Image
The mental picture of someone blowing gently on the ground before stepping to ensure it is safe and firm, symbolizing extreme caution.
◈ When to Use
Imagine a person walking on a thin layer of ice or a slippery floor. They blow gently on the surface before stepping to check its stability, embodying the idiom's meaning.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the Hindi cultural emphasis on caution and prudence, often used in situations where failure could lead to serious consequences.
informal

To act or proceed with extreme caution due to potential risks or consequences.

बाज़ार में निवेश करते समय फूँक फूँक कर क़दम रखना चाहिए।

One should proceed with caution while investing in the market.

उसने फूँक फूँक कर क़दम रखा क्योंकि उसके आस-पास कई लोग खड़े थे।

He walked carefully because there were many people around him.

Often used when someone is hesitant or anxious about taking a step due to fear of failure or negative outcomes.

Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this idiom when someone is being overly cautious, not just careful. It implies hesitation or fear of making a mistake.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in Hindi to describe cautious behavior in uncertain or risky situations. It can refer to physical movement (e.g., walking carefully) or metaphorical decisions (e.g., making cautious choices).

Word Breakdown

फूँक
blowing gently
root
+
कर
doing
suffix
+
क़दम
step
root
+
रखना
to place
root
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