Meaning
To become extremely anxious or frightened, causing one to lose composure.
Cultural Background
It is very common in daily speech to emphasize the intensity of a situation. Journalists often use this to describe the reaction of criminals when caught. Parents often use this to describe a child's reaction to being caught in a lie.
Plurality
Always remember 'हाथ पाँव' is plural. Use 'गए' (past) or 'जाते हैं' (present).
Context
It is a very expressive phrase. Use it when you want to emphasize how scared you were.
Meaning
To become extremely anxious or frightened, causing one to lose composure.
Plurality
Always remember 'हाथ पाँव' is plural. Use 'गए' (past) or 'जाते हैं' (present).
Context
It is a very expressive phrase. Use it when you want to emphasize how scared you were.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb conjugation.
जब मैंने सांप देखा, तो मेरे हाथ पाँव ____।
Since 'हाथ पाँव' is plural, the verb must be 'फूल गए'.
Which situation is appropriate for this idiom?
When is it appropriate to use 'हाथ पाँव फूल जाना'?
The idiom describes emotional panic, not physical health.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesजब मैंने सांप देखा, तो मेरे हाथ पाँव ____।
Since 'हाथ पाँव' is plural, the verb must be 'फूल गए'.
When is it appropriate to use 'हाथ पाँव फूल जाना'?
The idiom describes emotional panic, not physical health.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, absolutely not. It is purely figurative.
It is neutral/casual. Avoid in formal writing.
Related Phrases
पसीने छूट जाना
synonymTo break into a sweat
हवा निकल जाना
similarTo lose all courage
होश उड़ जाना
similarTo be stunned/lose senses
