C1 Idiom Neutre

आँखों का काँटा

aakha ka kata

Thorn in eyes

Signification

Someone very disliked or an eyesore.

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Contexte culturel

In many folk tales, the 'Saut' (co-wife) or the 'Sautela Bhai' (step-brother) is traditionally described as 'Aankhon ka kaanta' to depict the internal friction of polygamous or joint family structures of the past. The idiom is a staple in 'Masala' movies. It is often used in high-stakes dialogues between the hero and villain to establish their enmity. Newspapers frequently use this idiom in headlines to describe a politician who is causing trouble for the ruling party or vice versa. In the competitive corporate world, a 'whistleblower' or a very strict auditor is often referred to as 'Aankhon ka kaanta' by those who want to bypass rules.

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Use with 'Ban gaya'

The idiom sounds most natural when used with the verb 'ban-na' (to become). It suggests a process of how the person became hated.

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Avoid for Objects

Don't call a broken chair 'Aankhon ka kaanta'. It sounds very strange to native speakers. Stick to people or abstract obstacles.

Signification

Someone very disliked or an eyesore.

💡

Use with 'Ban gaya'

The idiom sounds most natural when used with the verb 'ban-na' (to become). It suggests a process of how the person became hated.

⚠️

Avoid for Objects

Don't call a broken chair 'Aankhon ka kaanta'. It sounds very strange to native speakers. Stick to people or abstract obstacles.

🎯

The 'Tara' Contrast

In an essay or speech, using 'Aankhon ka tara' and 'Aankhon ka kaanta' in the same paragraph to contrast two characters shows high linguistic mastery.

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Drama Factor

This is a high-drama idiom. Use it when you want to sound emphatic or when telling a compelling story.

Teste-toi

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

वह अपनी बुरी आदतों की वजह से सबकी ______ बन गया है।

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : आँखों का काँटा

The context of 'bad habits' (buri aadatein) implies he is disliked, making 'Aankhon ka kaanta' the correct choice.

Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?

Choose the most natural usage:

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : भ्रष्ट नेता ईमानदार अफ़सर की आँखों का काँटा बन गए हैं।

The idiom is used for enemies or obstacles, not for loved ones or food.

Match the situation to the idiom.

A whistleblower exposes a company's scam. How does the CEO feel about him?

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : आँखों का काँटा

The whistleblower is an obstacle and a source of pain for the CEO.

Complete the dialogue.

अजय: क्या तुम राहुल को पार्टी में बुलाओगे? विजय: कभी नहीं! वह तो मेरी ______ है।

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : आँखों का काँटा

Vijay's 'Never!' (Kabhi nahi!) indicates he hates Rahul.

🎉 Score : /4

Aides visuelles

Kaanta vs. Kirkiri

आँखों का काँटा
Sharp pain High intensity
Enemy Person
आँख की किरकिरी
Irritation Medium intensity
Nuisance Person/Object

Banque d exercices

4 exercices
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom. Fill Blank B1

वह अपनी बुरी आदतों की वजह से सबकी ______ बन गया है।

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : आँखों का काँटा

The context of 'bad habits' (buri aadatein) implies he is disliked, making 'Aankhon ka kaanta' the correct choice.

Which sentence uses the idiom correctly? Choose B2

Choose the most natural usage:

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : भ्रष्ट नेता ईमानदार अफ़सर की आँखों का काँटा बन गए हैं।

The idiom is used for enemies or obstacles, not for loved ones or food.

Match the situation to the idiom. situation_matching C1

A whistleblower exposes a company's scam. How does the CEO feel about him?

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : आँखों का काँटा

The whistleblower is an obstacle and a source of pain for the CEO.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

अजय: क्या तुम राहुल को पार्टी में बुलाओगे? विजय: कभी नहीं! वह तो मेरी ______ है।

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : आँखों का काँटा

Vijay's 'Never!' (Kabhi nahi!) indicates he hates Rahul.

🎉 Score : /4

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it is quite strong. It implies you really dislike someone. Use it about people, not to people.

Only if you are talking to a very close friend and complaining! Never use it in a professional email.

Even if there are many people you hate, you usually say 'वे मेरी आँखों का काँटा हैं' (They are the thorn in my eyes). The 'thorn' stays singular as a concept.

Yes, especially in journalism and literature to describe political or social rivals.

'Kaanta' is a sharp, painful thorn; 'Kirkiri' is like sand or grit. 'Kaanta' is more serious.

No, that's not a standard idiom. Use 'Dil का बोझ' (burden of the heart) instead.

Extremely. It's a classic line for villains and angry protagonists.

Not specifically, but it appears in Bhakti poetry which often uses sensory metaphors.

It's better to use it for the person causing the situation. For a situation, use 'सिरदर्द' (headache).

'Aankhon ka' (plural) is the standard form, emphasizing the intensity.

Expressions liées

🔄

आँख की किरकिरी

synonym

A constant irritation/eyesore

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आँखों का तारा

contrast

Very beloved

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दुश्मन-ए-जाँ

similar

A deadly enemy

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कबाब में हड्डी

specialized form

A third wheel

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नाक में दम करना

similar

To harass or annoy someone greatly

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