इधर की उधर लगाना
idhar ki udhar lagana
This side to that side
Literally: To put (something from) this side over to that side
In 15 Seconds
- Maliciously carrying gossip from one person to another.
- Used to describe someone creating misunderstandings or drama.
- Common in office politics, family feuds, and social circles.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of taking something said in one place and repeating it elsewhere to stir up trouble or create a misunderstanding. It is essentially the Hindi way of saying someone is 'tattling' or 'backbiting' to cause a rift between people.
Key Examples
3 of 6Warning a new coworker about a gossip
Usse bachkar rehna, use idhar ki udhar lagane ki aadat hai.
Stay away from him; he has a habit of carrying tales.
Talking about a dramatic relative
Meri chachi hamesha idhar ki udhar lagati rehti hain.
My aunt is always stirring the pot with gossip.
Confronting a friend who betrayed a secret
Tumne meri baatein idhar ki udhar kyun lagayi?
Why did you go and repeat my private matters to others?
Cultural Background
In many Indian neighborhoods, 'Mohalle wali Aunties' (neighborhood aunties) are stereotypically associated with this phrase. It's a common trope in comedy and daily life. The 'Vamp' character in Indian serials almost always uses this tactic to create misunderstandings between the hero and heroine. In high-pressure corporate environments, this phrase is used to describe 'toxic' colleagues who use gossip as a ladder for promotion. Narada Muni is the archetypal figure for this. While his intentions were often divine, his method of carrying news between gods and demons is the ultimate example of 'idhar ki udhar'.
Remember the 'Ki'
Always keep the 'ki' feminine. It's the secret to sounding like a native.
Don't use for good news
If you use this for a surprise party or a promotion, people will think you're being sarcastic or mean.
In 15 Seconds
- Maliciously carrying gossip from one person to another.
- Used to describe someone creating misunderstandings or drama.
- Common in office politics, family feuds, and social circles.
What It Means
Imagine someone acting like a human shuttlecock. They take a secret from Person A. They whisper it to Person B. But they add a little spice to it. The goal? To make Person A and Person B fight. In Hindi, idhar ki udhar lagana is the art of malicious gossip. It is not just talking. It is intentionally moving information to create chaos.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a verb. The most common form is lagana (to apply/to put). You can say someone has a 'habit' of doing this. It usually describes a third person who isn't in the room. You are calling out their sneaky behavior. It sounds sharp and accusatory.
When To Use It
Use it when you realize a 'friend' told your boss what you said at lunch. Use it when a cousin tells your mom about your secret late-night outing. It fits perfectly in office politics. It works during family dramas. If someone is playing both sides, this is your go-to phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for healthy sharing. If a doctor shares your report with a specialist, that is not idhar ki udhar lagana. Do not use it in very formal business reports. It is too colorful for a legal document. Avoid using it if the information sharing was accidental and harmless. It implies a bit of 'evil' intent.
Cultural Background
Indian society is deeply communal and family-oriented. News travels faster than light in these circles. There is often a 'character' in every neighborhood known for this. They are called a chugal-khor (backbiter). This phrase captures the social anxiety of keeping secrets in a loud culture. It reflects the value placed on loyalty and directness.
Common Variations
You might hear baaton ko idhar udhar karna. This is a softer version. Another one is chugli karna, which is the direct word for backbiting. However, idhar ki udhar lagana is more descriptive. It paints a picture of the physical act of carrying a spark to start a fire.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly idiomatic and informal. It relies on the verb 'lagana' which implies 'attaching' or 'applying' a story to someone else to cause a reaction.
Remember the 'Ki'
Always keep the 'ki' feminine. It's the secret to sounding like a native.
Don't use for good news
If you use this for a surprise party or a promotion, people will think you're being sarcastic or mean.
The 'Narada Muni' connection
If you want to sound very culturally aware, call a tattler a 'Narada Muni' after using the idiom.
Examples
6Usse bachkar rehna, use idhar ki udhar lagane ki aadat hai.
Stay away from him; he has a habit of carrying tales.
A classic warning about a toxic colleague.
Meri chachi hamesha idhar ki udhar lagati rehti hain.
My aunt is always stirring the pot with gossip.
Describes a typical family drama scenario.
Tumne meri baatein idhar ki udhar kyun lagayi?
Why did you go and repeat my private matters to others?
Direct confrontation using the phrase.
Rahul ne phir se idhar ki udhar laga di! Ab sab lad rahe hain.
Rahul stirred the pot again! Now everyone is fighting.
Casual texting style to report drama.
Mera kutta ghar ki baatein padosiyon ko idhar ki udhar nahi laga sakta, shukr hai!
Thank god my dog can't go gossiping about our house to the neighbors!
Using the idiom in a lighthearted, impossible context.
Mujhe ye idhar ki udhar lagane wale log bilkul pasand nahi.
I really don't like people who carry tales back and forth.
General statement of dislike for gossipers.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'lagana'.
रीमा की बातों पर विश्वास मत करो, वह हमेशा इधर की उधर _______ है।
Since Reema is female, the verb must be 'lagati'.
Which situation best describes 'idhar ki udhar lagana'?
Which of these is 'idhar ki udhar lagana'?
This involves carrying information to cause trouble, which is the core meaning.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'क्या तुम्हें पता है राहुल ने तुम्हारे बारे में क्या कहा?' B: 'मुझे मत बताओ, मुझे पता है तुम बस _______ चाहते हो।'
The context of gossip makes 'idhar ki udhar lagana' the only logical choice.
Match the Hindi phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
All pairs are correctly matched for learning purposes.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesरीमा की बातों पर विश्वास मत करो, वह हमेशा इधर की उधर _______ है।
Since Reema is female, the verb must be 'lagati'.
Which of these is 'idhar ki udhar lagana'?
This involves carrying information to cause trouble, which is the core meaning.
A: 'क्या तुम्हें पता है राहुल ने तुम्हारे बारे में क्या कहा?' B: 'मुझे मत बताओ, मुझे पता है तुम बस _______ चाहते हो।'
The context of gossip makes 'idhar ki udhar lagana' the only logical choice.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All pairs are correctly matched for learning purposes.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is a criticism. If you say it to someone's face, it is a confrontation. If you say it about someone, it is a complaint.
Yes, it's very common to tell children 'Idhar ki udhar mat lagao' when they are tattling on siblings.
'Chugli' is the noun for gossip. 'Idhar ki udhar lagana' is the idiomatic way to describe the action of moving that gossip.
No, often the information is true, but it's shared with the wrong person at the wrong time to cause trouble.
Related Phrases
चुगली करना
synonymTo backbite or tattle.
आग लगाना
builds onTo incite a major conflict.
कान भरना
similarTo poison someone's ears against another.
नमक-मिर्च लगाना
specialized formTo exaggerate a story.
