हाथ पर हाथ धरे बैठना

/ɦaːtʰ pər ɦaːtʰ dʱəɾeː beːʈʰnaː/◆idiom
to sit idle doing nothing

वह पूरे दिन हाथ पर हाथ धरे बैठा रहा।

He sat idle doing nothing the whole day.

◆ What It Really Means
To remain completely inactive or unproductive while waiting for something to happen, often due to laziness or indecision.
Literal Meaning
To sit with hands folded on hands.
Literal Breakdown
हाथhand+परon+धरे बैठनाto sit holding
◇ Mental Image
A mental picture of someone sitting with their hands folded on top of each other, doing nothing while waiting for something to happen.
◈ When to Use
A person applies for a job but does not follow up or prepare for interviews, instead waiting passively for a response.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the cultural value placed on proactive behavior in Hindi-speaking societies. Passivity is often seen as a negative trait, and this phrase is used to criticize such behavior.
informal

To remain inactive or unproductive while waiting for something to happen, often due to indecision or lack of effort.

उसने नौकरी के लिए आवेदन किया लेकिन हाथ पर हाथ धरे बैठा रहा।

He applied for the job but sat idle doing nothing.

Often implies a lack of initiative or procrastination.

Related Phrases

हाथ पर हाथ धरनाphrase
to fold one's hands (literally or as a gesture of helplessness)

Pro Tip

Usage in Context

Use this idiom when someone is passively waiting for things to happen without taking action. Example: 'उसके पास कोई काम नहीं था, बस हाथ पर हाथ धरे बैठा रहा।' (He had no work; he just sat idle doing nothing.)

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in Hindi to criticize someone for being lazy or passive. It reflects a cultural emphasis on proactive behavior.

Word Breakdown

हाथ पर हाथ
with hands on hands (folded)
phrase
+
धरे बैठना
to sit holding
verb phrase
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश