Signification
To speak irrelevant or rambling things, avoiding the main point.
Contexte culturel
In many North Indian communities, 'hankna' is associated with the 'Lappu' or 'Fenku' personality—someone who throws out big words without meaning. Idioms like this are frequently used in 'Masala' movies to establish a character as a trickster or a comedian. While the idiom is informal, its meaning is often discussed in 'soft skills' training as something to avoid (beating around the bush) in favor of 'precision communication'. The literal meaning of 'hankna' is still very much alive in villages where cattle are a part of daily life, making the idiom feel very grounded.
The 'Ki' Secret
Always keep the 'ki' feminine. It refers to 'baat' (talk), which is a feminine noun in Hindi.
Don't use with Elders
It can sound like you are calling them a liar or a fool. Use more respectful language like 'Kshama kijiye, par vishay kya hai?'
Signification
To speak irrelevant or rambling things, avoiding the main point.
The 'Ki' Secret
Always keep the 'ki' feminine. It refers to 'baat' (talk), which is a feminine noun in Hindi.
Don't use with Elders
It can sound like you are calling them a liar or a fool. Use more respectful language like 'Kshama kijiye, par vishay kya hai?'
The 'Fenkna' Connection
In modern slang, people just say 'Fenk mat!' (Don't throw/brag), which is a shorter, punchier version of this idiom.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
जब पुलिस ने चोर से पूछा, तो वह ______ की हाँकने लगा।
The standard idiom is 'idhar-udhar ki hankna'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Select the correct sentence:
The feminine possessive marker 'ki' is required.
Match the situation to the best use of the idiom.
Situation: A friend is telling a story about how they met the Prime Minister, but the details keep changing.
The idiom is used for boasting or telling tall tales.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'तुमने मेरा पेन कहाँ रखा?' B: 'पेन तो नीले रंग का था, नीले रंग का आसमान होता है...' A: '_______!'
Speaker A is frustrated by Speaker B's irrelevant answer.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesजब पुलिस ने चोर से पूछा, तो वह ______ की हाँकने लगा।
The standard idiom is 'idhar-udhar ki hankna'.
Select the correct sentence:
The feminine possessive marker 'ki' is required.
Situation: A friend is telling a story about how they met the Prime Minister, but the details keep changing.
The idiom is used for boasting or telling tall tales.
A: 'तुमने मेरा पेन कहाँ रखा?' B: 'पेन तो नीले रंग का था, नीले रंग का आसमान होता है...' A: '_______!'
Speaker A is frustrated by Speaker B's irrelevant answer.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it generally carries a negative connotation of being evasive, dishonest, or annoyingly talkative.
Not exactly. For someone talkative, use 'baatuni'. Use this idiom only if their talk is irrelevant or boastful.
'Gappe marna' is usually fun and social. 'Idhar-udhar ki hankna' is usually annoying or deceptive.
Because it refers to the implied feminine noun 'baat' (talk/matter).
It's better to avoid it in very formal writing. Use 'vishyantar' or 'aprasangik baatein' instead.
Extremely common! It's a favorite for scriptwriters to show a character is being shifty.
You can say 'Kripya seedhe mudde par aaiye' (Please come straight to the point).
Not exactly. It's more about 'avoiding' or 'exaggerating' than a direct lie, though it can lead to lying.
Yes, parents often say this to children who are making excuses for not doing homework.
'Seedhi baat karna' (to talk straight) or 'Mudde ki baat karna' (to talk about the issue).
Expressions liées
गप्पें मारना
similarTo gossip or chat idly.
डींग मारना
specialized formTo brag or boast.
सीधी बात करना
contrastTo talk straight/directly.
बातें बनाना
similarTo make up stories or excuses.
