Meaning
To wait with great anticipation and longing for someone or something.
Cultural Background
The phrase embodies 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. In Indian homes, welcoming a guest is a spiritual duty. The idiom suggests that the host's very sight is dedicated to the guest's arrival. This is a staple in romantic lyrics. It often represents the 'Intezar' (wait) which is considered a beautiful part of love in South Asian poetry. In villages, people often sit on 'charpais' outside their homes watching the road. This physical reality gave birth to the idiom. In Bhakti traditions, devotees describe waiting for a glimpse (Darshan) of the deity using this phrase.
Use with 'Baitha'
The phrase sounds most natural when used with 'baitha' (sitting) or 'khada' (standing). E.g., 'Aankhein bichaye baitha hoon'.
Don't use for objects
Unless it's a very special object (like a trophy), don't use it for things like 'waiting for a pen'.
Meaning
To wait with great anticipation and longing for someone or something.
Use with 'Baitha'
The phrase sounds most natural when used with 'baitha' (sitting) or 'khada' (standing). E.g., 'Aankhein bichaye baitha hoon'.
Don't use for objects
Unless it's a very special object (like a trophy), don't use it for things like 'waiting for a pen'.
Poetic flair
Using this in a thank-you note to a host will make you sound incredibly polite and cultured.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
माँ अपने बेटे की घर वापसी के लिए ______ बैठी है।
'आँखें बिछाए' is the correct idiom for waiting eagerly.
Which situation is most appropriate for 'आँखें बिछाए रखना'?
In which of these scenarios would you use the idiom?
The idiom requires a context of respect, love, or high excitement.
Complete the dialogue.
A: क्या मेहमान आ गए? B: नहीं, पर हम सब दरवाज़े पर ______।
'आँखें बिछाए खड़े हैं' fits the context of waiting for guests.
Match the idiom to its emotional nuance.
Match 'आँखें बिछाना' with its core feeling.
The idiom specifically conveys a mix of devotion and eager waiting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमाँ अपने बेटे की घर वापसी के लिए ______ बैठी है।
'आँखें बिछाए' is the correct idiom for waiting eagerly.
In which of these scenarios would you use the idiom?
The idiom requires a context of respect, love, or high excitement.
A: क्या मेहमान आ गए? B: नहीं, पर हम सब दरवाज़े पर ______।
'आँखें बिछाए खड़े हैं' fits the context of waiting for guests.
Match 'आँखें बिछाना' with its core feeling.
The idiom specifically conveys a mix of devotion and eager waiting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'bichana' is the base form, while 'bichaye rakhna' emphasizes the continuous state of waiting.
Absolutely! It is very common in romantic contexts to show deep longing.
It is classic, but not outdated. It's like saying 'waiting with open arms' in English—always relevant for emotional moments.
Only if you have a very close, respectful relationship with the client. Otherwise, use 'Prateeksha' (waiting).
'Raah dekhna' is neutral. 'Aankhein bichana' adds a layer of honor and intense emotion.
Since humans have two eyes, 'Aankhein' is always plural in this idiom.
No, that would sound like you are a cyclops! Always use the plural 'Aankhein'.
Yes, frequently for election results or the arrival of world leaders.
No, it is almost exclusively for positive or hopeful anticipation.
'Aankhein pher lena' (to turn away/ignore) or 'Aankhein dikhana' (to threaten).
Related Phrases
पलकें बिछाना
synonymTo wait with extreme delicacy and love.
राह देखना
similarTo wait for someone.
बाट जोहना
similarTo wait anxiously.
आँखें पथरा जाना
contrastEyes turning to stone from waiting too long.
