हाथ मलना
वह नौकरी खोने के बाद हाथ मलता रहा।
He kept wringing his hands after losing the job.
to express regret or frustration over a past action or event that cannot be changed
उसने मौका गँवा दिया और अब हाथ मल रहा है।
He missed the chance and is now wringing his hands.
मैंने उसकी बात नहीं मानी और अब हाथ मल रहा हूँ।
I didn’t listen to him and now I’m regretting it.
Often implies helplessness or frustration over an irreversible mistake.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Context
Use 'हाथ मलना' when someone is visibly upset about a past mistake they can't fix. It’s stronger than 'पछताना' (to regret) and implies a physical display of frustration.
Gold Rule
Idiomatic vs. Literal
This is an idiom—never use it to describe actual hand-rubbing. It always refers to regret or frustration over something irreversible.
Word Origin
From Hindi 'हाथ' (hand) + 'मलना' (to rub). Literally means 'to rub hands' in grief or frustration, reflecting the physical gesture of distress.
Usage Notes
Used in contexts where someone realizes too late that they could have acted differently. Often carries a tone of helplessness.