मुँह में राम बगल में छुरी

mũh mẽ rām bagal mẽ churī
phrase★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To appear kind or polite while harboring malicious or deceitful intentions.
Literal Meaning
Having the name of Ram in one's mouth and a knife in one's armpit.
Literal Breakdown
मुँह में रामhaving the name of Ram in one's mouth+बगल में छुरीhaving a knife in one's armpit
◇ Mental Image
The contrast between the sacred name of Ram and the violent image of a knife highlights the hypocrisy of someone who appears kind but is actually harmful.
◈ When to Use
A colleague who smiles and speaks politely to your face but spreads rumors behind your back could be described as having 'Ram in their mouth and a knife in their armpit.'
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the cultural value of sincerity and honesty in Indian society, where hypocrisy is strongly condemned.
informal

To speak sweetly or politely while harboring malicious or deceitful intentions; to be hypocritical or two-faced.

वह मुँह में राम बगल में छुरी लेकर आया है।

He came with sweet words but hidden malicious intentions.

💡

This idiom is often used to describe someone who appears friendly or polite but is actually deceitful or harmful.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

मुँह में राम बगल में छुरीidiom
To be hypocritical or two-faced

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this idiom when describing someone who appears kind but has harmful intentions.

📖Word Origin

The idiom combines the words 'राम' (a revered figure in Hinduism) with 'छुरी' (knife), creating a stark contrast between the sacred and the violent to emphasize hypocrisy.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to describe someone who is deceitful or insincere.

Word Breakdown

मुँह में राम
sweet or holy words in the mouth
phrase
+
बगल में छुरी
a knife hidden in the armpit
phrase
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश