Bedeutung
Realizing the solution after it's too late.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The proverb reflects the historical reality of village thefts where 'chors' were a common threat, leading to a culture of post-event communal analysis. Among the urban middle class, this phrase is used to critique the 'intellectualism' of people who talk much but act late. The phrase is a popular meme template in West Bengal and Bangladesh to mock celebrities or politicians who make 'apology' videos. Famous Bengali authors like Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay have used similar sentiments to describe the tragic irony of his characters' lives.
Use it for self-irony
If you make a mistake, saying this about yourself makes you sound humble and witty.
Don't be too mean
Using this on someone who is already crying or very upset can make you look like a jerk.
Bedeutung
Realizing the solution after it's too late.
Use it for self-irony
If you make a mistake, saying this about yourself makes you sound humble and witty.
Don't be too mean
Using this on someone who is already crying or very upset can make you look like a jerk.
The 'Aha' moment
In Bengali culture, pointing out the irony of a situation is a common way to bond.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct word to complete the proverb.
চোর পালালে ______ বাড়ে।
'Buddhi' (intelligence/wisdom) is the standard word used in this proverb.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'চোর পালালে বুদ্ধি বাড়ে'?
Situations:
The proverb is about late realizations after a problem has occurred.
Fill in the verb with the correct conditional form.
চোর ______ (পালানো) বুদ্ধি বাড়ে।
The conditional suffix '-le' is required here to mean 'if/when the thief flees'.
Complete the dialogue with the proverb.
রহিম: 'ইশ! পাসওয়ার্ডটা লিখে রাখলে আজ এই সমস্যা হতো না।' করিম: 'ঠিক বলেছ, ______।'
Rahim is regretting not writing down a password after the problem occurred, which fits the proverb perfectly.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgabenচোর পালালে ______ বাড়ে।
'Buddhi' (intelligence/wisdom) is the standard word used in this proverb.
Situations:
The proverb is about late realizations after a problem has occurred.
চোর ______ (পালানো) বুদ্ধি বাড়ে।
The conditional suffix '-le' is required here to mean 'if/when the thief flees'.
রহিম: 'ইশ! পাসওয়ার্ডটা লিখে রাখলে আজ এই সমস্যা হতো না।' করিম: 'ঠিক বলেছ, ______।'
Rahim is regretting not writing down a password after the problem occurred, which fits the proverb perfectly.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is a proverb, so it is grammatically 'proper,' but it is mostly used in informal or semi-formal conversations.
Yes, especially if you are writing about social issues or criticizing a delay in action.
Yes, it means intelligence, wisdom, or a clever idea.
It means 'if/when [someone] flees.'
Not really. This proverb is inherently ironic/sarcastic.
Yes, like forgetting to bring a pen to a class.
Yes, it is equally popular in both West Bengal (India) and Bangladesh.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'Sadhonay siddhi' (Success through effort) implies proactive work.
You can, but the proverb is usually kept in the present tense 'bare' for a timeless feel.
Only if used in a very tragic situation. Otherwise, it's just witty.
Verwandte Redewendungen
আস্তাকুঁড়ে ঘি ঢালা
similarWasting something valuable on the worthless.
অতি চালাকের গলায় দড়ি
contrastThe over-clever person gets into trouble.
সময়ের এক ফোঁড় অসময়ের দশ ফোঁড়
builds onA stitch in time saves nine.
গদাই লস্করি চাল
specialized formA very slow, lethargic way of doing things.
