Signification
To waste all the hard work done
Contexte culturel
In villages, 'Paani pherna' also refers to the act of watering fields. However, in an idiomatic sense, it refers to the destruction caused by floods or excess water, which is a farmer's biggest nightmare. Parents often use this phrase to guilt-trip children about their studies, equating their financial and emotional investment to 'hard work' that shouldn't be 'washed away'. The idiom likely stems from the tradition of 'Lippan' (plastering mud walls) and 'Rangoli'. Water is the natural enemy of these temporary mud-based art forms.
Use 'Sari' for emphasis
Always add 'Sari' (All) before 'Mehnat' to sound more natural. 'Sari mehnat utte paani pher ditta' is the most common way to say it.
Don't use with people
You pour water on 'work' or 'plans', not directly on a person's body in this idiom.
Signification
To waste all the hard work done
Use 'Sari' for emphasis
Always add 'Sari' (All) before 'Mehnat' to sound more natural. 'Sari mehnat utte paani pher ditta' is the most common way to say it.
Don't use with people
You pour water on 'work' or 'plans', not directly on a person's body in this idiom.
The 'Utte' rule
Remember the word 'Utte' (on). It's the bridge between your hard work and the water.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
ਉਸਦੀ ਇੱਕ ਗਲਤੀ ਨੇ ਮੇਰੀ ਸਾਰੀ ਮਿਹਨਤ ਉੱਤੇ _______ ਦਿੱਤਾ।
The idiom is 'paani pher dena'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'Paani pher dena'?
Choose the correct context:
The idiom is used when effort is wasted.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ਮੈਂ ਕੇਕ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਸੀ ਪਰ ਉਹ ਸੜ ਗਿਆ। B: _________!
Ruining a cake you worked on is a perfect use of this idiom.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesਉਸਦੀ ਇੱਕ ਗਲਤੀ ਨੇ ਮੇਰੀ ਸਾਰੀ ਮਿਹਨਤ ਉੱਤੇ _______ ਦਿੱਤਾ।
The idiom is 'paani pher dena'.
Choose the correct context:
The idiom is used when effort is wasted.
A: ਮੈਂ ਕੇਕ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਸੀ ਪਰ ਉਹ ਸੜ ਗਿਆ। B: _________!
Ruining a cake you worked on is a perfect use of this idiom.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds dramatic. Use it for things that actually took effort.
It's not a swear word, but it is a strong expression of disappointment. Use it carefully with superiors.
The past tense is 'Paani pher ditta'.
Expressions liées
ਮਿੱਟੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਮਿਲਾਉਣਾ
similarTo mix in the dirt/soil
ਖੂਹ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਾਉਣਾ
similarTo throw in a well
ਸਫਲ ਹੋਣਾ
contrastTo be successful
ਮਿਹਨਤ ਰੰਗ ਲਿਆਉਣਾ
contrastHard work bringing colors (success)
