Signification
Double standards or hypocrisy.
Contexte culturel
This is perhaps the most quoted proverb in Pakistani political talk shows. It is used by opposition parties to attack the ruling party's budget or manifesto. Classical poets use the 'elephant's tusk' as a symbol of the 'Zahir' (outward) world which is beautiful but hollow, compared to the 'Batin' (inner) world. In business negotiations, calling someone's offer 'Hathi ke dant' is a serious but polite way to say you don't trust the terms. There is a cultural concept called 'Takalluf' (formal politeness). Sometimes, 'Hathi ke dant' is used to criticize excessive 'Takalluf' that hides true feelings.
The Power of Pause
When saying this proverb, pause slightly after 'Khane ke aur' to let the listener anticipate the second half. It adds dramatic effect.
Don't be too blunt
Using this directly to someone's face is a very strong insult. It's better used when talking *about* someone or a situation.
Signification
Double standards or hypocrisy.
The Power of Pause
When saying this proverb, pause slightly after 'Khane ke aur' to let the listener anticipate the second half. It adds dramatic effect.
Don't be too blunt
Using this directly to someone's face is a very strong insult. It's better used when talking *about* someone or a situation.
Shorten it
In many cases, just saying 'Bas, hathi ke dant hain' is enough for people to understand you're calling out hypocrisy.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb by filling in the missing word.
ہاتھی کے دانت ______ کے اور دکھانے کے اور۔
The proverb specifically uses 'Khane' (eating) to contrast with 'Dikhane' (showing).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
A politician promises free electricity but increases the bills after winning.
This situation describes a clear contradiction between a public promise and a private action, which is the definition of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the proverb.
احمد: 'وہ کمپنی بہت اچھی لگتی ہے۔' سارہ: 'نہیں، حقیقت میں ان کے ______۔'
Sarah is warning Ahmed that the company's appearance is deceptive.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
The Elephant's Teeth
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesہاتھی کے دانت ______ کے اور دکھانے کے اور۔
The proverb specifically uses 'Khane' (eating) to contrast with 'Dikhane' (showing).
A politician promises free electricity but increases the bills after winning.
This situation describes a clear contradiction between a public promise and a private action, which is the definition of the proverb.
احمد: 'وہ کمپنی بہت اچھی لگتی ہے۔' سارہ: 'نہیں، حقیقت میں ان کے ______۔'
Sarah is warning Ahmed that the company's appearance is deceptive.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, it is identical in Hindi and Urdu, making it very useful across the entire subcontinent.
Technically yes, but it's much more common and effective when used for people's behavior and intentions.
It is a sharp critique. While not 'vulgar', it is a serious accusation of being a hypocrite.
A person who is 'Khara' (pure/straightforward) or 'Jo dil mein hai wahi zuban par' (What is in the heart is on the tongue).
Because elephants are the only animals with such a visible and distinct difference between 'showing' teeth (tusks) and 'eating' teeth (molars).
Expressions liées
من میں رام رام، بغل میں چھری
similarA prayer on the lips, a knife in the pocket.
بغل میں بچہ، شہر میں ڈھنڈورا
contrastThe child is in the arms, but the whole city is being searched.
اوپر سے بی بی، اندر سے پاپن
synonymA lady on the outside, a sinner on the inside.
دھوبی کا کتا، نہ گھر کا نہ گھاٹ کا
contrastThe washerman's dog belongs neither to the house nor to the riverbank.
