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हाथ पर हाथ धरे बैठना

hāth par hāth dhare baithnā
idiom★Intermediate◆idiom
informal

To sit idly with hands folded, often implying doing nothing or waiting passively.

वह हाथ पर हाथ धरे बैठा है, कोई काम नहीं कर रहा है।

He is sitting with his hands folded, not doing any work.

अब तो हाथ पर हाथ धरे बैठने का समय नहीं है।

There is no time to sit idly now.

💡

This idiom is often used to express disapproval of someone who is not taking initiative or action.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

हाथ पर हाथ रखनाidiom
To keep hands folded, often implying hesitation or reluctance to act.

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This idiom is typically used in negative contexts to express frustration or disapproval of inaction.

⚡Gold Rule

Negative Connotation

The phrase usually carries a negative tone, so use it carefully to avoid sounding overly critical.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines the literal action of folding hands (हाथ पर हाथ धरे) with sitting (बैठना), symbolizing inaction or passivity.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts to criticize someone for not taking action or being lazy.

Word Breakdown

हाथ पर हाथ धरे
Hands folded on top of each other
phrase
+
बैठना
To sit
verb
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश

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