Meaning
Working very hard to achieve something.
Cultural Background
In Bangladesh, this idiom is frequently used in the context of 'Tadbir' (lobbying or making connections). To get a job or a favor, one often has to 'burn wood and straw' by meeting various influential people. In Kolkata, the idiom is often used by students aiming for competitive exams like JEE or UPSC. It reflects the high-pressure academic culture where 'burning the midnight oil' is synonymous with 'burning wood and straw'. In villages, the literal meaning is still alive. However, even there, the idiom is used to describe the struggle of farming—like getting irrigation water during a drought. Classic authors like Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay often used this idiom to describe the social struggles of their characters, especially women trying to navigate a patriarchal society.
Use 'Onek'
Always pair this with 'onek' (a lot) to sound more natural. 'Onek kath-khor porano' is the standard phrase.
Don't be too literal
If you are actually burning wood for a BBQ, just say 'kaath jwalano'. Using the idiom might confuse people into thinking you're having a hard time with the BBQ!
Meaning
Working very hard to achieve something.
Use 'Onek'
Always pair this with 'onek' (a lot) to sound more natural. 'Onek kath-khor porano' is the standard phrase.
Don't be too literal
If you are actually burning wood for a BBQ, just say 'kaath jwalano'. Using the idiom might confuse people into thinking you're having a hard time with the BBQ!
Bureaucracy Buddy
This is the #1 idiom to use when complaining about government offices or paperwork. It immediately builds rapport with other Bengalis who share your pain.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
পরীক্ষায় প্রথম হতে তাকে অনেক _______ হয়েছে।
The idiom is 'কাঠখড় পোড়ানো'. 'পোড়াতে হয়েছে' means 'had to burn'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'কাঠখড় পোড়ানো'?
Which of these is a correct use of the idiom?
The idiom refers to the struggle and effort involved in a complex task like bureaucracy.
Match the Bengali sentence with its English meaning.
Match the following:
পোড়ালাম (Past), পোড়াতে হবে (Future), পোড়াতে হয়েছে (Present Perfect/Obligation).
Complete the dialogue.
করিম: তোমার নতুন ফ্ল্যাটটা তো দারুণ! রহিম: ধন্যবাদ, কিন্তু এটা কিনতে আমাকে _______।
Buying a flat is a difficult process, so 'burning wood and straw' is the appropriate idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesপরীক্ষায় প্রথম হতে তাকে অনেক _______ হয়েছে।
The idiom is 'কাঠখড় পোড়ানো'. 'পোড়াতে হয়েছে' means 'had to burn'.
Which of these is a correct use of the idiom?
The idiom refers to the struggle and effort involved in a complex task like bureaucracy.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
পোড়ালাম (Past), পোড়াতে হবে (Future), পোড়াতে হয়েছে (Present Perfect/Obligation).
করিম: তোমার নতুন ফ্ল্যাটটা তো দারুণ! রহিম: ধন্যবাদ, কিন্তু এটা কিনতে আমাকে _______।
Buying a flat is a difficult process, so 'burning wood and straw' is the appropriate idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your teacher, or your friends.
Not usually. Use 'porishrom kora' for exercise. Use this for tasks that involve 'hassle' or 'process'.
'Pora' means to burn (intransitive), 'Porano' means to burn something (causative). The idiom uses the causative.
Yes, it is equally common in both regions.
No, 'poralam' is past tense. For future, say 'porate hobe'.
Related Phrases
আদা জল খেয়ে লাগা
similarTo pursue something with great determination.
নাকানিচুবানি খাওয়া
similarTo be overwhelmed by struggle.
হাড়ভাঙা খাটুনি
synonymBone-breaking hard work.
সহজেই পাওয়া
contrastTo get something easily.
