جتنی چادر دیکھو اتنے پاؤں پھیلاؤ
جتنی چادر دیکھو اتنے پاؤں پھیلاؤ
Cut coat according to cloth
Signification
Live within your means.
Contexte culturel
In Pakistan, this proverb is often invoked during wedding seasons (Shadi season) to discourage families from taking massive loans for lavish ceremonies. Among Urdu speakers in Delhi and Lucknow, this phrase is a mark of 'Tehzeeb' (etiquette), suggesting that a dignified person never begs or borrows. Expatriates often use this to remind each other not to get carried away by the luxury of Gulf cities and to save money for home. In Sufi thought, this proverb is linked to 'Tawakkul' (trust in God) and 'Qana'at' (satisfaction with what one has), viewing greed as a spiritual illness.
Use it as a soft 'No'
If someone asks you to go to an expensive dinner you can't afford, using this proverb makes your refusal sound wise rather than 'broke'.
Gender Agreement
Always remember 'Chadar' is feminine. Saying 'Jitna Chadar' is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner.
Signification
Live within your means.
Use it as a soft 'No'
If someone asks you to go to an expensive dinner you can't afford, using this proverb makes your refusal sound wise rather than 'broke'.
Gender Agreement
Always remember 'Chadar' is feminine. Saying 'Jitna Chadar' is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
جتنی _______ دیکھو اتنے _______ پھیلاؤ۔
The proverb specifically uses 'Chadar' (sheet) and 'Paon' (feet).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
A friend wants to take a loan to buy a luxury watch they can't afford.
This proverb is the standard advice for avoiding unnecessary debt.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
احمد: میں سوچ رہا ہوں کہ ادھار لے کر نئی گاڑی لے لوں۔ سارہ: نہیں احمد، ________۔
Sara is advising Ahmed to live within his means.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesجتنی _______ دیکھو اتنے _______ پھیلاؤ۔
The proverb specifically uses 'Chadar' (sheet) and 'Paon' (feet).
A friend wants to take a loan to buy a luxury watch they can't afford.
This proverb is the standard advice for avoiding unnecessary debt.
احمد: میں سوچ رہا ہوں کہ ادھار لے کر نئی گاڑی لے لوں۔ سارہ: نہیں احمد، ________۔
Sara is advising Ahmed to live within his means.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsMore than ever! It is the perfect antidote to the 'buy now, pay later' culture.
Yes, you can use it for time or energy management, but 95% of the time it refers to money.
Expressions liées
اپنی اوقات میں رہنا
similarTo stay within one's status/limits.
ہاتھ کھینچ کر رکھنا
specialized formTo be very frugal or tight-fisted.
فضول خرچی
contrastExtravagance / wasting money.
