Signification
People blame circumstances for their own failures.
Contexte culturel
The 'uthan' is the soul of a rural home. Blaming it is seen as particularly absurd because everyone knows the courtyard is flat. In cities like Dhaka or Kolkata, the proverb has shifted to office and tech contexts, but the 'uthan' imagery remains. Teachers in Bengal frequently use this to discourage students from blaming their pens, paper, or the weather for poor grades. Musicians and dancers use this among themselves to maintain high standards and avoid 'diva' behavior.
Use it for Sarcasm
This proverb is most effective when delivered with a slight smile and a sarcastic tone.
Don't be a Bully
Ensure the person actually is making a baseless excuse before using this, or you'll seem mean-spirited.
Signification
People blame circumstances for their own failures.
Use it for Sarcasm
This proverb is most effective when delivered with a slight smile and a sarcastic tone.
Don't be a Bully
Ensure the person actually is making a baseless excuse before using this, or you'll seem mean-spirited.
The 'Uthan' Context
Remember that 'uthan' is a very domestic, humble word. Using it brings a touch of 'home-grown' wisdom to your speech.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
নাচতে না জানলে _____ বাঁকা।
The standard proverb uses 'উঠান' (courtyard).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
রহিম অংক করতে পারছে না, তাই সে বলছে তার ক্যালকুলেটরটা নষ্ট। (Rahim can't do the math, so he says his calculator is broken.)
Rahim is blaming his tool (calculator) for his lack of skill (math).
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: আমি গান গাইতে পারছি না কারণ মাইকটা খারাপ। B: অজুহাত দিও না, সবাই জানে ______।
The proverb is the perfect idiomatic response to a weak excuse.
What is the figurative meaning of 'উঠান বাঁকা' in this proverb?
In the proverb, what does 'crooked courtyard' represent?
It represents any external factor blamed to hide internal failure.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesনাচতে না জানলে _____ বাঁকা।
The standard proverb uses 'উঠান' (courtyard).
রহিম অংক করতে পারছে না, তাই সে বলছে তার ক্যালকুলেটরটা নষ্ট। (Rahim can't do the math, so he says his calculator is broken.)
Rahim is blaming his tool (calculator) for his lack of skill (math).
A: আমি গান গাইতে পারছি না কারণ মাইকটা খারাপ। B: অজুহাত দিও না, সবাই জানে ______।
The proverb is the perfect idiomatic response to a weak excuse.
In the proverb, what does 'crooked courtyard' represent?
It represents any external factor blamed to hide internal failure.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, especially in editorials and opinion pieces to criticize policy failures.
Yes, in a self-deprecating way. 'আমি জানি আমার রান্নাই খারাপ, উঠান বাঁকা বলে লাভ নেই।'
A bad workman blames his tools.
In this context, yes, it implies something is wrong or defective.
The standard spelling is 'নাচতে' (without the chandrabindu), but some regional variations use the nasalized form.
Only if you have a very informal relationship. Otherwise, it's too bold.
It specifically means 'courtyard,' but in this proverb, it represents the 'floor' or 'stage'.
Extremely common. It's one of the top 10 most used proverbs in the country.
The word is 'অজুহাত' (Ojuhat).
Then the proverb doesn't apply! That's just a valid complaint.
Expressions liées
নিজের দোষ অন্যের ঘাড়ে চাপানো
similarTo shift one's own fault onto others.
অজুহাত দেখানো
similarTo show/make excuses.
কাজ না জানলে মিস্ত্রির দোষ
similarIf you don't know the work, blame the mechanic.
উলুবনে মুক্তো ছড়ানো
contrastCasting pearls before swine.
