Signification
Taking something or perfecting a skill.
Contexte culturel
The idiom reflects a society that values 'Karigari' (craftsmanship). A 'clean hand' is a sign of a master artisan. Characters like the 'Songadya' (jester) often use this idiom to mock greedy characters who 'clean their hands' on others' wealth. Often used jokingly when someone eats all the 'Pani Puri' or snacks before others get a chance. Famous authors like P.L. Deshpande used this idiom to describe the middle-class struggle and the small 'thefts' of joy or resources in chawl life.
The 'Var' Rule
Always remember to add 'वर' (var) to the object you are 'cleaning your hands' on. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete.
Don't use with people!
Saying 'मी त्याच्यावर हात साफ केला' usually means you beat him up, not that you practiced on him or stole from him. Be careful!
Signification
Taking something or perfecting a skill.
The 'Var' Rule
Always remember to add 'वर' (var) to the object you are 'cleaning your hands' on. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete.
Don't use with people!
Saying 'मी त्याच्यावर हात साफ केला' usually means you beat him up, not that you practiced on him or stole from him. Be careful!
Sarcasm Tool
Use this idiom sarcastically when a friend takes the last slice of pizza. It sounds much more 'native' than just saying 'You ate it!'
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
चोराने दागिन्यांवर ______.
The idiom for stealing in this context is 'हात साफ केला'.
Match the situation to the meaning of the idiom.
Situation: Rohan is playing the piano for 4 hours every day to get better.
In the context of learning an instrument, the idiom means practicing.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly for 'stealing'?
Choose the correct sentence:
Sentence B correctly uses the 'stealing/taking' sense with the 'वर' suffix.
Complete the dialogue.
A: तू नवीन लॅपटॉपवर काम करू शकतोस का? B: हो, मी कालच त्यावर ______.
B is saying they have already practiced or tried their hand at the laptop.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesचोराने दागिन्यांवर ______.
The idiom for stealing in this context is 'हात साफ केला'.
Situation: Rohan is playing the piano for 4 hours every day to get better.
In the context of learning an instrument, the idiom means practicing.
Choose the correct sentence:
Sentence B correctly uses the 'stealing/taking' sense with the 'वर' suffix.
A: तू नवीन लॅपटॉपवर काम करू शकतोस का? B: हो, मी कालच त्यावर ______.
B is saying they have already practiced or tried their hand at the laptop.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! You can say 'मी मराठीवर हात साफ करतोय' to mean you are practicing your Marathi skills.
The 'stealing' sense can be offensive if used seriously. The 'practicing' sense is completely neutral and safe.
'Chori karne' is the literal verb for stealing. 'Haat saaf karne' is an idiomatic, more colorful way to describe it, often implying opportunism.
Use 'मी माझे हात धुतले' (Mi mazhe haat dhutle).
Rarely. It's mostly found in literature, news headlines (for flavor), and daily conversation.
Literally, yes. But in idioms, it often means 'cleared out' or 'finished'.
Yes, like 'batsman cleaning his hands on a bad ball'.
It remains 'तिने हात साफ केला' because the verb agrees with 'हात' (masculine), not the subject.
No, 'पाय साफ करणे' is not an idiom; it just means cleaning your feet.
No, for that we use 'कर्ज फेडणे' (karja fedne).
Expressions liées
हात मारणे
similarTo take a large share or eat heartily.
हातखंडा असणे
builds onTo be an expert.
हात धुवून पाठी लागणे
contrastTo pursue someone/something relentlessly.
हात चोळणे
similarTo wring hands in regret or anticipation.
