Signification
Good fortune that happens unexpectedly and coincidentally.
Contexte culturel
The 'chhinka' was a vital part of rural kitchens. It was usually made by women of the house using intricate knotting techniques. It represents the ingenuity of pre-refrigeration food storage. While the proverb is about luck, cats themselves are often seen as omens in India (a black cat crossing your path is bad luck). This proverb is one of the few positive associations with a cat's 'luck'. Famous authors like Munshi Premchand have used such proverbs to depict the simple yet profound wisdom of village folk. It adds an 'earthy' feel to the writing. In modern offices, this phrase is often used ironically to describe someone who gets a 'lucky' break, often implying they might not be the most deserving candidate.
Use it for small wins
It sounds most natural when used for small, happy coincidences in daily life.
Avoid in formal writing
Keep this for conversations and stories; it's too informal for a business report.
Signification
Good fortune that happens unexpectedly and coincidentally.
Use it for small wins
It sounds most natural when used for small, happy coincidences in daily life.
Avoid in formal writing
Keep this for conversations and stories; it's too informal for a business report.
The 'Chhinka' visual
Remembering the visual of the hanging basket helps you remember the 'unexpected' nature of the luck.
Teste-toi
Choose the best situation to use the phrase 'बिल्ली के भागों छींका टूटा'.
Which of these is a correct usage?
The phrase is for unexpected luck without effort, like getting a free ticket due to someone else's cancellation.
Complete the proverb.
बिल्ली के भागों _______ टूटा।
'छींका' (chhinka) is the traditional hanging basket mentioned in the proverb.
Match the proverb to the meaning.
Match 'बिल्ली के भागों छींका टूटा' with its meaning:
It signifies a stroke of luck that happens by chance.
Fill in the dialogue.
राम: 'मुझे बिना लाइन में लगे टिकट मिल गया!' श्याम: 'वाह! आज तो तुम्हारे _______!'
This is the appropriate lucky proverb for the situation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWhich of these is a correct usage?
The phrase is for unexpected luck without effort, like getting a free ticket due to someone else's cancellation.
बिल्ली के भागों _______ टूटा।
'छींका' (chhinka) is the traditional hanging basket mentioned in the proverb.
Match 'बिल्ली के भागों छींका टूटा' with its meaning:
It signifies a stroke of luck that happens by chance.
राम: 'मुझे बिना लाइन में लगे टिकट मिल गया!' श्याम: 'वाह! आज तो तुम्हारे _______!'
This is the appropriate lucky proverb for the situation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, the cat is just the beneficiary of the luck. It doesn't imply the cat did anything wrong.
Yes! Winning the lottery is a perfect example of 'Billi ke bhaagon छींका टूटा'.
Very rarely. You might see them in museums or very traditional rural homes, but the word lives on in this proverb.
It's neutral. However, if you say it about someone's hard work, it can be seen as a bit rude or dismissive.
'Kismat' is just the word for luck. This proverb is a colorful way to describe a *specific kind* of luck—the effortless kind.
Expressions liées
अंधे के हाथ बटेर लगना
similarAn incompetent person getting something valuable by luck.
छप्पर फाड़ कर देना
similarTo receive an abundance of wealth unexpectedly.
किस्मत चमकना
synonymTo have a sudden change in fortune.
हाथ मलते रह जाना
contrastTo miss an opportunity and regret it.
