Meaning
To lose all sense of shame or modesty; to become shameless.
Cultural Background
In rural North India, this phrase is often used by elders to scold younger generations who disregard traditional values or respect. Villains in 70s and 80s Bollywood movies were often described with this idiom to highlight their absolute lack of humanity. Urdu poets often use 'Aankh ka paani' as a metaphor for 'Ghairat' (honor/self-respect). Its loss is seen as the ultimate tragedy. While rare in emails, it is used in 'water-cooler' gossip to describe unethical bosses or colleagues who take credit for others' work.
High Insult Potential
This is a very strong insult. Use it only when you are prepared for a serious confrontation.
Use with 'Jaise'
Using 'जैसे' (as if) makes it sound more descriptive and less like a direct attack: 'वह ऐसे बात कर रहा था जैसे उसकी आँख का पानी मर गया हो।'
Meaning
To lose all sense of shame or modesty; to become shameless.
High Insult Potential
This is a very strong insult. Use it only when you are prepared for a serious confrontation.
Use with 'Jaise'
Using 'जैसे' (as if) makes it sound more descriptive and less like a direct attack: 'वह ऐसे बात कर रहा था जैसे उसकी आँख का पानी मर गया हो।'
The 'Water' Logic
Remember that in Hindi, 'Paani' often means 'Luster' or 'Honor'. This helps you remember other idioms too!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb.
इतनी बड़ी चोरी करने के बाद भी उसकी आँख का पानी नहीं ______।
The verb must be masculine singular to agree with 'पानी' (paani).
Which situation best fits the idiom 'आँख का पानी मर जाना'?
Choose the correct context:
The idiom describes a lack of shame or remorse.
Complete the dialogue.
A: उसने अपने ही भाई को धोखा दे दिया। B: हाँ, लगता है उसकी ______ मर गया है।
Both 'आँख का पानी' and 'आँखों का पानी' are grammatically correct and used interchangeably.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'आँख का पानी मर जाना' with its figurative meaning:
It is a classic Hindi idiom for shamelessness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesइतनी बड़ी चोरी करने के बाद भी उसकी आँख का पानी नहीं ______।
The verb must be masculine singular to agree with 'पानी' (paani).
Choose the correct context:
The idiom describes a lack of shame or remorse.
A: उसने अपने ही भाई को धोखा दे दिया। B: हाँ, लगता है उसकी ______ मर गया है।
Both 'आँख का पानी' and 'आँखों का पानी' are grammatically correct and used interchangeably.
Match 'आँख का पानी मर जाना' with its figurative meaning:
It is a classic Hindi idiom for shamelessness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is gender-neutral. You just change the possessive to 'उसकी' (uski).
No, it's too harsh for self-deprecation. Use 'मुझे बहुत शर्म आ रही है' (I am feeling very ashamed) instead.
No, it's informal and highly emotional. Avoid it in business settings.
There isn't a single idiom, but 'आँखों में शर्म होना' (to have shame in the eyes) is the conceptual opposite.
No, only their 'shame' or 'conscience' is dead.
It's very harsh for a child. Usually reserved for adults who should know better.
You can use 'Aankh' (singular) or 'Aankhon' (plural). Both are correct.
Indirectly. It implies the person *can't* cry tears of shame anymore.
Not exactly slang, but very colloquial and idiomatic.
Yes, in an opinion piece or a hard-hitting editorial about corruption.
Related Phrases
बेशर्म
synonymShameless
आँखें फेर लेना
similarTo turn one's eyes away
आँखें नीची होना
contrastTo have eyes lowered
घड़ों पानी पड़ना
similarTo be extremely ashamed
नाक कटना
builds onTo lose one's nose (honor)
