뜻
To behave meekly or timidly, often out of fear.
문화적 배경
In cities like Delhi and Mumbai, this phrase is often used sarcastically among friends to 'pull someone's leg' (tease them) if they act cowardly in front of a girl they like or a strict teacher. There is a significant power distance in many Indian companies. This idiom is frequently used by employees (behind closed doors) to describe the submissive behavior of middle management towards top executives. The 'angry young man' trope (popularized by Amitabh Bachchan) often involves him refusing to be a 'bhigi billi' in front of corrupt villains, which resonates deeply with audiences who feel suppressed by the system. In villages, the phrase is often used in the context of local disputes or when dealing with government officials (Patwaris or Police), reflecting the historical power struggle between the peasantry and authority.
Use with 'Banna'
Always remember to pair it with the verb 'Banna' (to become) for the most natural sound.
Not for Shyness
Don't use it for a shy person at a party. It implies they are scared of someone specific.
뜻
To behave meekly or timidly, often out of fear.
Use with 'Banna'
Always remember to pair it with the verb 'Banna' (to become) for the most natural sound.
Not for Shyness
Don't use it for a shy person at a party. It implies they are scared of someone specific.
Sarcastic Tone
Use a slightly mocking tone of voice to sound like a native speaker when using this idiom.
Gender Rule
Remember: 'Bhigi Billi' is always feminine, even if you are talking about the toughest man in the world!
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
जब अध्यापक ने डांटा, तो शरारती छात्र ______ बन गया।
The context of being scolded (daanta) by a teacher (adhyapak) leads to becoming timid, which is 'bhigi billi'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct usage:
The idiom describes becoming timid due to fear (dar), which fits the interview context.
Match the person to their behavior.
If a person is acting like a 'Bhigi Billi', they are:
The idiom signifies submissiveness and silence born out of fear.
Complete the dialogue.
अमित: कल तो तुम उस लड़के को मारने की धमकी दे रहे थे। सुमित: हाँ, पर जब उसके पापा आए, तो मैं ______।
Sumit was acting tough but became scared when the boy's father arrived.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Lion vs. Wet Cat
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제जब अध्यापक ने डांटा, तो शरारती छात्र ______ बन गया।
The context of being scolded (daanta) by a teacher (adhyapak) leads to becoming timid, which is 'bhigi billi'.
Choose the correct usage:
The idiom describes becoming timid due to fear (dar), which fits the interview context.
If a person is acting like a 'Bhigi Billi', they are:
The idiom signifies submissiveness and silence born out of fear.
अमित: कल तो तुम उस लड़के को मारने की धमकी दे रहे थे। सुमित: हाँ, पर जब उसके पापा आए, तो मैं ______।
Sumit was acting tough but became scared when the boy's father arrived.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, it works for all genders. 'वह भीगी बिल्ली बन गई' (She became a wet cat).
Yes, it's usually a mild insult or a way to tease someone for being a coward.
You can use it to describe *yourself* being nervous in the past, but don't call the interviewer a 'bhigi billi'!
The opposite is 'Sher banna' (to become a lion) or 'Nidarr hona' (to be fearless).
Mostly yes, but it can also be used for extreme guilt or embarrassment.
Very common. You will hear it in almost every Bollywood action or comedy movie.
Close, but 'scaredy-cat' is a personality. 'Bhigi billi' is usually a reaction to a specific person or event.
No, 'Bhiga' is masculine, but 'Billi' is feminine. In Hindi grammar, the adjective must match the noun 'Billi'. So it's always 'Bhigi Billi'.
No, it's informal. Use it with friends, family, or in casual stories.
Literally, yes. Figuratively, only for humans.
관련 표현
दुम दबाकर भागना
similarTo run away with the tail between the legs
शेर बनना
contrastTo act like a lion/brave
चू मूँ होना
similarTo become very quiet and small
दबकर रहना
builds onTo live in a suppressed manner
