B1 Idiom غیر رسمی

भीगी बिल्ली की तरह

bheegi billi ki tarah

Like a scared cat

معنی

To behave meekly or timidly, often out of fear.

🌍

زمینه فرهنگی

In cities like Delhi and Mumbai, this phrase is often used sarcastically among friends to 'pull someone's leg' (tease them) if they act cowardly in front of a girl they like or a strict teacher. There is a significant power distance in many Indian companies. This idiom is frequently used by employees (behind closed doors) to describe the submissive behavior of middle management towards top executives. The 'angry young man' trope (popularized by Amitabh Bachchan) often involves him refusing to be a 'bhigi billi' in front of corrupt villains, which resonates deeply with audiences who feel suppressed by the system. In villages, the phrase is often used in the context of local disputes or when dealing with government officials (Patwaris or Police), reflecting the historical power struggle between the peasantry and authority.

💡

Use with 'Banna'

Always remember to pair it with the verb 'Banna' (to become) for the most natural sound.

⚠️

Not for Shyness

Don't use it for a shy person at a party. It implies they are scared of someone specific.

معنی

To behave meekly or timidly, often out of fear.

💡

Use with 'Banna'

Always remember to pair it with the verb 'Banna' (to become) for the most natural sound.

⚠️

Not for Shyness

Don't use it for a shy person at a party. It implies they are scared of someone specific.

🎯

Sarcastic Tone

Use a slightly mocking tone of voice to sound like a native speaker when using this idiom.

💬

Gender Rule

Remember: 'Bhigi Billi' is always feminine, even if you are talking about the toughest man in the world!

خودت رو بسنج

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.

जब अध्यापक ने डांटा, तो शरारती छात्र ______ बन गया।

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: भीगी बिल्ली

The context of being scolded (daanta) by a teacher (adhyapak) leads to becoming timid, which is 'bhigi billi'.

Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?

Choose the correct usage:

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: इंटरव्यू में डर के कारण वह भीगी बिल्ली बन गया।

The idiom describes becoming timid due to fear (dar), which fits the interview context.

Match the person to their behavior.

If a person is acting like a 'Bhigi Billi', they are:

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: Very scared and quiet

The idiom signifies submissiveness and silence born out of fear.

Complete the dialogue.

अमित: कल तो तुम उस लड़के को मारने की धमकी दे रहे थे। सुमित: हाँ, पर जब उसके पापा आए, तो मैं ______।

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: भीगी बिल्ली बन गया

Sumit was acting tough but became scared when the boy's father arrived.

🎉 امتیاز: /4

ابزارهای بصری یادگیری

Lion vs. Wet Cat

Sher (Lion)
Brave बहादुर
Loud तेज़
Bhigi Billi
Scared डरा हुआ
Quiet शांत

بانک تمرین

4 تمرین‌ها
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom. جای خالی A2

जब अध्यापक ने डांटा, तो शरारती छात्र ______ बन गया।

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: भीगी बिल्ली

The context of being scolded (daanta) by a teacher (adhyapak) leads to becoming timid, which is 'bhigi billi'.

Which sentence uses the idiom correctly? Choose B1

Choose the correct usage:

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: इंटरव्यू में डर के कारण वह भीगी बिल्ली बन गया।

The idiom describes becoming timid due to fear (dar), which fits the interview context.

Match the person to their behavior. situation_matching A1

If a person is acting like a 'Bhigi Billi', they are:

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: Very scared and quiet

The idiom signifies submissiveness and silence born out of fear.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

अमित: कल तो तुम उस लड़के को मारने की धमकी दे रहे थे। सुमित: हाँ, पर जब उसके पापा आए, तो मैं ______।

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: भीगी बिल्ली बन गया

Sumit was acting tough but became scared when the boy's father arrived.

🎉 امتیاز: /4

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

Yes, it works for all genders. 'वह भीगी बिल्ली बन गई' (She became a wet cat).

Yes, it's usually a mild insult or a way to tease someone for being a coward.

You can use it to describe *yourself* being nervous in the past, but don't call the interviewer a 'bhigi billi'!

The opposite is 'Sher banna' (to become a lion) or 'Nidarr hona' (to be fearless).

Mostly yes, but it can also be used for extreme guilt or embarrassment.

Very common. You will hear it in almost every Bollywood action or comedy movie.

Close, but 'scaredy-cat' is a personality. 'Bhigi billi' is usually a reaction to a specific person or event.

No, 'Bhiga' is masculine, but 'Billi' is feminine. In Hindi grammar, the adjective must match the noun 'Billi'. So it's always 'Bhigi Billi'.

No, it's informal. Use it with friends, family, or in casual stories.

Literally, yes. Figuratively, only for humans.

عبارات مرتبط

🔗

दुम दबाकर भागना

similar

To run away with the tail between the legs

🔗

शेर बनना

contrast

To act like a lion/brave

🔗

चू मूँ होना

similar

To become very quiet and small

🔗

दबकर रहना

builds on

To live in a suppressed manner

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