Signification
Sudden growth in ego leads to destruction.
Contexte culturel
In rural Bengal, the emergence of winged ants is a sign of heavy rain. The proverb links this natural cycle to the cycle of human life and morality. The proverb is often used in 'Jatra' (folk theatre) to signal the impending doom of a villainous character who has become too powerful. It is a staple in political rhetoric to criticize the ruling party or opposition when they show signs of authoritarianism. Used in middle-class households to teach children the value of 'Bhadralok' (gentlemanly) behavior, which excludes bragging.
Use the shorthand
In casual conversation, just say 'ওর পাখা গজিয়েছে' (His wings have grown) to sound more like a native speaker.
Don't use for kids
Unless they are being truly arrogant, this phrase might sound too harsh for children's small mistakes.
Signification
Sudden growth in ego leads to destruction.
Use the shorthand
In casual conversation, just say 'ওর পাখা গজিয়েছে' (His wings have grown) to sound more like a native speaker.
Don't use for kids
Unless they are being truly arrogant, this phrase might sound too harsh for children's small mistakes.
The 'Tore' factor
Using 'তরে' instead of 'জন্য' makes you sound very well-educated in Bengali literature.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
পিপীলিকার পাখা গজায় _______ তরে।
The proverb states that wings grow for the purpose of 'dying' (মরিবার).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
A person becomes very arrogant after a small success and starts insulting others.
This proverb is specifically for arrogance leading to downfall.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
করিম: 'আমি এখন অনেক শক্তিশালী, আইন আমার কিছু করতে পারবে না!' রহিম: 'সাবধান করিম, মনে রেখো...'
Rahim is warning Karim about his hubris.
What does 'তরে' mean in this context?
In the phrase 'মরিবার তরে', the word 'তরে' means:
'Tore' is a poetic postposition meaning 'for' or 'for the sake of'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesপিপীলিকার পাখা গজায় _______ তরে।
The proverb states that wings grow for the purpose of 'dying' (মরিবার).
A person becomes very arrogant after a small success and starts insulting others.
This proverb is specifically for arrogance leading to downfall.
করিম: 'আমি এখন অনেক শক্তিশালী, আইন আমার কিছু করতে পারবে না!' রহিম: 'সাবধান করিম, মনে রেখো...'
Rahim is warning Karim about his hubris.
In the phrase 'মরিবার তরে', the word 'তরে' means:
'Tore' is a poetic postposition meaning 'for' or 'for the sake of'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is a secular folk proverb, though it aligns with many religious teachings about humility.
Only if you are criticizing a competitor or a very bad internal decision. It is quite strong.
'Pipre' is the common word, 'Pipilika' is the formal/Sanskrit word used in the proverb.
Absolutely not, unless you want to quit! It is a direct criticism of their character.
Figuratively, yes—it means the 'death' of a career, reputation, or project.
Because wings allow an ant to leave its safe ground and enter a dangerous, exposed environment.
No, this specific proverb is inherently a warning.
It has been part of Bengali oral tradition for at least 300-400 years.
Yes, you can say 'ওদের পাখা গজিয়েছে' (Their wings have grown).
Extremely common in both Bangladesh and West Bengal.
Expressions liées
পাখা গজানো
specialized formTo become arrogant or overconfident.
অতি দর্পে হত লঙ্কা
synonymLanka was destroyed by excessive pride.
অহংকার পতনের মূল
similarPride is the root of fall.
ধরাকে সরা জ্ঞান করা
builds onTo think the world is a small clay plate (to be very arrogant).
