Signification
To be indecisive and change one's stance frequently, like a rolling brinjal.
Contexte culturel
The term is frequently used by political commentators to describe 'Aaya Ram Gaya Ram' culture, where legislators switch parties for power. The 'Thali' is a symbol of a complete meal and unity. An unstable element on it is seen as a disruption to the harmony of the meal. In traditional Indian society, having a 'penda' (base) is a metaphor for having character. A 'bin pendi ka lota' or 'thali ka baingan' is someone without character. Recently, the word 'Baingan' became a viral meme in India (from a kid's interview), which has given the idiom a new, humorous life among Gen Z.
Don't use for food
Never use this to describe an actual eggplant on your plate; people will think you are making a very weird joke.
Political Context
If you use this while discussing Indian politics, you will sound like a native speaker who follows the news closely.
Signification
To be indecisive and change one's stance frequently, like a rolling brinjal.
Don't use for food
Never use this to describe an actual eggplant on your plate; people will think you are making a very weird joke.
Political Context
If you use this while discussing Indian politics, you will sound like a native speaker who follows the news closely.
The 'Penda' concept
Understand that the core insult is the lack of a 'base' (penda). If you want to be even more descriptive, you can say 'Bin pendi ka lota'.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct meaning of 'थाली का बैंगन होना'.
इस मुहावरे का सही अर्थ क्या है?
The idiom refers to someone who lacks principles and shifts sides.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
वह कभी इस पार्टी में जाता है, कभी उस पार्टी में; वह तो निरा ________ है।
The standard idiom uses 'baingan' (eggplant).
Which situation best describes a 'थाली का बैंगन'?
इनमें से कौन सी स्थिति 'थाली का बैंगन' मुहावरे के लिए सही है?
Rohan is switching sides based on success, which is the definition of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: क्या तुम मेरी मदद करोगे? B: शायद, पर अगर बॉस ने मना किया तो मैं नहीं करूँगा। A: तुम तो ________ हो!
The speaker is calling B a rolling eggplant for being indecisive/fearful of authority.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesइस मुहावरे का सही अर्थ क्या है?
The idiom refers to someone who lacks principles and shifts sides.
वह कभी इस पार्टी में जाता है, कभी उस पार्टी में; वह तो निरा ________ है।
The standard idiom uses 'baingan' (eggplant).
इनमें से कौन सी स्थिति 'थाली का बैंगन' मुहावरे के लिए सही है?
Rohan is switching sides based on success, which is the definition of the idiom.
A: क्या तुम मेरी मदद करोगे? B: शायद, पर अगर बॉस ने मना किया तो मैं नहीं करूँगा। A: तुम तो ________ हो!
The speaker is calling B a rolling eggplant for being indecisive/fearful of authority.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, it is always a criticism. It implies a lack of integrity and principles.
Yes, but keep 'baingan' masculine. Say 'Vah thali ka baingan hai'.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Bin pendi ka lota' is perhaps slightly more common in some regions, but both are equally understood.
No, it is too informal and carries a negative tone. Use 'avsarvadi' (opportunist) if you must, or better yet, avoid the topic.
Recently, it has become a nonsense meme word, but in this idiom, its meaning remains traditional.
Eggplants (especially the large round ones) are heavier and roll with more 'momentum', making the metaphor more striking.
No, that sounds like a literal translation and loses the idiomatic flavor. Stick to 'Thali'.
The idiom is Hindi, so it's used in North India. South Indian languages have their own equivalents.
It's usually harsher than that. It implies they are changing their mind for their own benefit.
Change 'ka' to 'ke'. 'Ve log thali ke baingan hain.'
No. To describe someone flexible in a good way, use 'lacheela' (flexible) or 'milansar' (sociable).
Yes, it has been part of Hindi folk wisdom for generations.
It might be too heavy for a child. Use it for adults who should know better.
A 'weathercock' or 'turncoat' are the closest equivalents.
Expressions liées
बिन पेंदी का लोटा
synonymA pot without a base.
दलबदलू
specialized formTurncoat/Defector.
अवसरवादी
synonymOpportunist.
गिरगिट की तरह रंग बदलना
similarTo change colors like a chameleon.
