Signification
Trying to stop someone from succeeding.
Contexte culturel
The 'Crab Mentality' is a frequent topic of social discussion in Maharashtra. It is often used to explain why certain communities struggle to produce large numbers of successful entrepreneurs. Famous humorist P.L. Deshpande (Pu La) often used this concept in his character sketches to highlight the petty jealousies of middle-class life. In Indian offices, this phrase is used to describe 'Politics'. It's a warning given to newcomers to be careful of who they trust. In villages, this idiom is often linked to land disputes and family inheritance, where one branch of the family tries to stop the other from prospering.
Not for Joking
Never use this to mean 'I'm just kidding'. Use 'मस्करी' (maskari) instead.
Grammar Check
Remember that 'पाय' is plural. So in the past tense, always use 'ओढले' (masculine plural) regardless of the subject's gender.
Signification
Trying to stop someone from succeeding.
Not for Joking
Never use this to mean 'I'm just kidding'. Use 'मस्करी' (maskari) instead.
Grammar Check
Remember that 'पाय' is plural. So in the past tense, always use 'ओढले' (masculine plural) regardless of the subject's gender.
Crab Metaphor
If you want to sound very native, mention 'खेचराची प्रवृत्ती' (crab mentality) alongside this idiom.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'पाय ओढणे'.
जेव्हा मी नवीन व्यवसाय सुरू केला, तेव्हा अनेक नातेवाईकांनी माझे _________.
The idiom is 'पाय ओढणे'. In the past tense with plural 'पाय', it becomes 'ओढले'.
Which situation best describes 'पाय ओढणे'?
Select the correct scenario:
'पाय ओढणे' refers to sabotaging someone's success.
Complete the dialogue.
अमित: 'मला भीती वाटतेय की ऑफिसमध्ये लोक माझ्याविरुद्ध कट रचत आहेत.' सुमित: 'काळजी नको करू, यशस्वी माणसाचे लोक नेहमीच _________.'
It is a common saying that people pull the legs of successful individuals.
Match the idiom to the intent.
Match 'पाय ओढणे' with its true meaning:
The core intent of this idiom is to hinder or sabotage.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesजेव्हा मी नवीन व्यवसाय सुरू केला, तेव्हा अनेक नातेवाईकांनी माझे _________.
The idiom is 'पाय ओढणे'. In the past tense with plural 'पाय', it becomes 'ओढले'.
Select the correct scenario:
'पाय ओढणे' refers to sabotaging someone's success.
अमित: 'मला भीती वाटतेय की ऑफिसमध्ये लोक माझ्याविरुद्ध कट रचत आहेत.' सुमित: 'काळजी नको करू, यशस्वी माणसाचे लोक नेहमीच _________.'
It is a common saying that people pull the legs of successful individuals.
Match 'पाय ओढणे' with its true meaning:
The core intent of this idiom is to hinder or sabotage.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo. In English, it means joking. In Marathi, it means sabotaging someone's success.
It's not vulgar, but it is an accusation. Use it carefully as it implies the other person is being malicious.
Yes, but usually you would use the singular 'पाय ओढला' for a physical action. The plural 'पाय ओढले' is almost always the idiom.
The opposite is 'हात देणे' (to give a hand) or 'पाठिंबा देणे' (to support).
Yes, it is very common in newspaper editorials and political columns.
Yes. 'ते आमचे पाय ओढत आहेत' (They are pulling our legs/sabotaging us).
It comes from wrestling and the 'crab in a bucket' metaphor where you pull the legs to bring someone down.
They are interchangeable. 'खेचणे' sounds slightly more aggressive.
Yes, if they are trying to stop you from getting something you want out of jealousy.
You can say 'माझे पाय ओढू नकोस' (Mājhē pāy ōḍhū nakōs).
Expressions liées
पाय खेचणे
synonymTo pull legs (forcefully)
खोडा घालणे
similarTo put an obstacle
मीठ चोळणे
contrastTo rub salt in wounds
हात देणे
contrastTo give a hand
काड्या करणे
similarTo instigate or poke
