Meaning
To remove an obstacle or exact revenge.
Cultural Background
In rural Punjab and Haryana, 'kāṇṭā' is often used in folk songs to represent the pain of separation or the prick of jealousy. The '70s and '80s 'Angry Young Man' movies (Amitabh Bachchan era) frequently used this idiom in dialogues about vendettas. In modern offices, using this phrase can be seen as 'cut-throat'. It's often used behind closed doors to discuss removing underperforming or problematic managers. Sufi poets often use the thorn (khaar) and the rose (gul) as metaphors. Removing the thorn represents removing the ego to reach the divine rose.
Use with 'Rāste kā'
To sound more native, use the full phrase 'अपने रास्ते का कांटा निकालना' (to remove the thorn of one's path).
Don't use for small things
If you just fixed a broken pen, don't say you 'removed a thorn'. It sounds too dramatic.
Meaning
To remove an obstacle or exact revenge.
Use with 'Rāste kā'
To sound more native, use the full phrase 'अपने रास्ते का कांटा निकालना' (to remove the thorn of one's path).
Don't use for small things
If you just fixed a broken pen, don't say you 'removed a thorn'. It sounds too dramatic.
Bollywood Vibes
Using this phrase in a serious tone can make you sound like a character from a 1970s action movie. Use it with a smile if you want to be less aggressive.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
उसने अपने दुश्मन को हराकर अपने रास्ते का _______ निकाल लिया।
The idiom is 'कांटा निकालना' (to remove a thorn).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to mean 'taking revenge'?
Select the correct usage:
In this context, winning the match to settle a score is the figurative use of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue between two business partners.
Partner A: 'यह नया कानून हमारे काम में बहुत बड़ी बाधा है।' Partner B: 'हाँ, हमें जल्द ही इस _______ होगा।'
To solve a legal obstacle, you 'remove the thorn'.
Match the situation to the meaning of 'कांटा निकालना'.
Situation: A politician exposes the corruption of a rival who blocked his bill.
The politician is both getting even and clearing his path.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesउसने अपने दुश्मन को हराकर अपने रास्ते का _______ निकाल लिया।
The idiom is 'कांटा निकालना' (to remove a thorn).
Select the correct usage:
In this context, winning the match to settle a score is the figurative use of the idiom.
Partner A: 'यह नया कानून हमारे काम में बहुत बड़ी बाधा है।' Partner B: 'हाँ, हमें जल्द ही इस _______ होगा।'
To solve a legal obstacle, you 'remove the thorn'.
Situation: A politician exposes the corruption of a rival who blocked his bill.
The politician is both getting even and clearing his path.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is the standard way to say 'remove a thorn' from your skin.
Yes, it is quite derogatory. It implies they are a nuisance or an enemy.
'Badlā lenā' is just revenge. 'Kāṇṭā nikālnā' implies the person was an obstacle to your success.
Rarely. It's almost always about removing something negative. However, removing a 'problem' is positive for you.
'Kāṇṭe bonā' (to sow thorns) is the closest opposite action.
Yes, especially in political news regarding rivals being sidelined.
No, it can be a law, a habit, or a technical problem that is stalling progress.
It is masculine. Hence 'nikālā' (masculine verb form).
Yes, 'haṭānā' (to move/remove) is a synonym, but 'nikālnā' is more idiomatic.
Only in informal or semi-formal discussions. In a formal presentation, use 'bādhā dūr karnā'.
Related Phrases
रास्ता साफ़ करना
similarTo clear the way
बदला चुकाना
synonymTo settle a score
आँखों की किरकिरी
similarAn irritant in the eye
जड़ से उखाड़ना
builds onTo uproot from the roots
कांटे बिछाना
contrastTo lay thorns
