मतलब
It is better to arrive late than not at all.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
In Nepal, this proverb is the official slogan of the Traffic Police. You will see it painted on yellow boards along every major highway, especially in landslide-prone areas. Truck drivers in Nepal often paint poetry and proverbs on the back of their vehicles. This phrase is one of the most common 'Truck Sahitya' entries, often accompanied by a painting of a mountain or a deity. The concept of 'Nepali Time' implies that events often start later than scheduled. This proverb provides a cultural cushion that makes lateness more socially acceptable than in cultures with rigid punctuality. Teachers use this to encourage students who may be struggling or starting their education late, emphasizing that the act of learning is more important than the age at which it happens.
The 'Safe' Excuse
If you are late in Nepal, using this proverb often turns a tense situation into a philosophical agreement. It's a very effective social 'get out of jail free' card.
Don't over-rely on it
While culturally accepted, using it every single day for work will eventually make you seem unreliable. Use it for genuine delays.
मतलब
It is better to arrive late than not at all.
The 'Safe' Excuse
If you are late in Nepal, using this proverb often turns a tense situation into a philosophical agreement. It's a very effective social 'get out of jail free' card.
Don't over-rely on it
While culturally accepted, using it every single day for work will eventually make you seem unreliable. Use it for genuine delays.
खुद को परखो
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
ढिलो होस् तर _______ नहोस्।
'Thilo' is the correct rhyming word that completes this proverb.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
A taxi driver is speeding on a dangerous mountain road.
The proverb is a standard way to prioritize safety over speed in Nepal.
Choose the correct negative form used in the proverb.
ढिलो होस् तर ठिलो _______।
'Nahos' is the negative optative form required for this proverb.
Complete the dialogue.
राम: 'माफ गर्नुहोला, मलाई आउन अलि ढिलो भयो।' सीता: 'केही छैन राम, _________ भन्छन् नि!'
This is the natural response to someone apologizing for being late.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Speed vs. Safety in Nepal
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यासढिलो होस् तर _______ नहोस्।
'Thilo' is the correct rhyming word that completes this proverb.
A taxi driver is speeding on a dangerous mountain road.
The proverb is a standard way to prioritize safety over speed in Nepal.
ढिलो होस् तर ठिलो _______।
'Nahos' is the negative optative form required for this proverb.
राम: 'माफ गर्नुहोला, मलाई आउन अलि ढिलो भयो।' सीता: 'केही छैन राम, _________ भन्छन् नि!'
This is the natural response to someone apologizing for being late.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
3 सवालLiterally, it means 'stale' or 'spoiled' (usually referring to food). In the proverb, it figuratively means 'not arriving' or 'failing completely'.
It is neutral to formal. It's used by the government in safety ads, but also by friends in casual chats.
Yes, but say it with a smile! It's a lighthearted way to acknowledge you're late.
संबंधित मुहावरे
हतारको काम लठर-पठर
similarHasty work is messy work.
ढिलो आए दुरुस्त आए
synonymCame late, but came right.
हतार गर्नेको लतार हुन्छ
similarThose who hurry often face setbacks.
