साँप भी मरे और लाठी भी न टूटे
saanp bhi mare aur laathi bhi na toote
Kill two birds with one stone
المعنى
To achieve two objectives with a single action, without causing harm.
خلفية ثقافية
The 'laathi' is a symbol of power and authority in North Indian villages. A man without a laathi was seen as vulnerable. This proverb highlights the importance of maintaining one's 'shakti' (power) while dealing with threats. Modern Indian offices value 'smart work' over 'hard work'. This proverb is frequently used by project managers to describe 'lean' processes where the objective is met with zero waste. Famous authors like Munshi Premchand have used this proverb to describe the cunning yet necessary strategies of the poor to survive against oppressive landlords. The proverb aligns with ancient Indian political thought, which suggests that the best victory is one where the enemy is neutralized but the state's resources are not depleted.
Use it for 'Clean' Wins
Always use this when you want to emphasize that a victory was achieved without any 'mess' or collateral damage.
Don't forget the 'Na'
The 'na' (not) before 'toote' is essential. Without it, you are describing a total disaster!
المعنى
To achieve two objectives with a single action, without causing harm.
Use it for 'Clean' Wins
Always use this when you want to emphasize that a victory was achieved without any 'mess' or collateral damage.
Don't forget the 'Na'
The 'na' (not) before 'toote' is essential. Without it, you are describing a total disaster!
Perfect for Interviews
If an interviewer asks how you handle conflict, saying you believe in a 'Saanp bhi mare aur laathi bhi na toote' approach shows you are strategic and diplomatic.
The 'Laathi' Metaphor
Remember that the 'laathi' can represent your money, your time, your health, or your reputation.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the proverb by filling in the missing word.
साँप भी मरे और _______ भी न टूटे।
The standard proverb uses 'लाठी' (stick) as the tool that must be preserved.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'साँप भी मरे और लाठी भी न टूटे'?
Choose the best scenario:
This is a 'clean' victory where the goal (firing the worker) is met without the 'stick' (the company's reputation or legal safety) being broken.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the proverb.
अमित: 'मुझे अपनी पुरानी कार बेचनी है पर मैं चाहता हूँ कि मुझे अच्छी कीमत मिले और कोई झंझट भी न हो।' सुमित: 'तो तुम उसे सीधे शोरूम में बेच दो, _______।'
The future/presumptive form fits the advice-giving context of the dialogue.
Identify the correct meaning of the proverb in a professional context.
In a business meeting, if someone says 'साँप भी मरे और लाठी भी न टूटे', they mean:
The proverb emphasizes achieving goals while preserving assets (the 'laathi').
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينसाँप भी मरे और _______ भी न टूटे।
The standard proverb uses 'लाठी' (stick) as the tool that must be preserved.
Choose the best scenario:
This is a 'clean' victory where the goal (firing the worker) is met without the 'stick' (the company's reputation or legal safety) being broken.
अमित: 'मुझे अपनी पुरानी कार बेचनी है पर मैं चाहता हूँ कि मुझे अच्छी कीमत मिले और कोई झंझट भी न हो।' सुमित: 'तो तुम उसे सीधे शोरूम में बेच दो, _______।'
The future/presumptive form fits the advice-giving context of the dialogue.
In a business meeting, if someone says 'साँप भी मरे और लाठी भी न टूटे', they mean:
The proverb emphasizes achieving goals while preserving assets (the 'laathi').
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it is not rude. It is actually seen as a sign of wisdom and strategic thinking. However, don't use it if you are bragging about tricking someone.
It's a bit formal for romance, but you could use it if you managed to go on a date without your strict parents finding out!
'Na' is more poetic and standard for proverbs. 'Nahi' is more common in casual speech. Both are correct.
No, Hindi sticks to the snake and the stick. For more than two goals, people just use general words for 'success'.
No! That makes no sense. The nouns must stay in their places: Snake dies, Stick stays whole.
While it's a Hindi proverb, the concept is understood across India. South Indian languages have their own equivalents (e.g., in Tamil: 'Pambum saganum, kombum muriyakoodathu').
It implies being 'clever' (chatur). Whether that is 'sneaky' or 'wise' depends on the situation.
Yes, if there was a risk of breaking the toy further while fixing it.
Literally, yes. Figuratively, it's any resource you use to solve a problem.
It's a nasal sound. Don't touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth; just let the air go through your nose.
عبارات ذات صلة
एक पंथ दो काज
similarOne path, two tasks (Killing two birds with one stone).
आम के आम गुठलियों के दाम
similarDouble profit (Value for mangoes and seeds).
न रहेगा बाँस, न बजेगी बाँसुरी
contrastNo bamboo, no flute (Eliminating the root cause).
बगल में छुरी, मुँह में राम-राम
contrastA knife in the pocket, but God's name on the lips.
