Meaning
To reverse a situation, especially to one's advantage.
Cultural Background
The Mahabharata's 'Dyut Krida' (Game of Dice) is the most famous cultural touchstone for this phrase. It warns that the 'pāsa' can be deceptive. In 70s and 80s cinema, the 'pāsa palaṭnā' moment usually involved the hero's mother praying, leading to a sudden change in the hero's strength. Indian elections are often called 'unpredictable.' News channels use 'Pāsa Palaṭ Gayā' as a standard graphic when a leading candidate starts losing. In India, cricket is a religion. A single 'over' can 'pāsa palaṭnā', making it the most used idiom in sports commentary.
Use with 'Hi'
Adding 'hi' (emphasis) makes it sound very native: 'पूरा पासा ही पलट गया!' (The whole dice itself flipped!)
Avoid Literal Use
Don't use it for flipping pancakes or clothes. Use 'palaṭnā' alone for those, not 'pāsa'.
Meaning
To reverse a situation, especially to one's advantage.
Use with 'Hi'
Adding 'hi' (emphasis) makes it sound very native: 'पूरा पासा ही पलट गया!' (The whole dice itself flipped!)
Avoid Literal Use
Don't use it for flipping pancakes or clothes. Use 'palaṭnā' alone for those, not 'pāsa'.
News Headlines
If you see 'Paltu' (flipper) in news, it's a derogatory term for a politician who 'flips' sides, related to this idiom.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
धोनी के छक्के ने मैच का ______ ______ दिया।
The idiom is 'pāsa palaṭ denā'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'पासा पलटना'?
Choose the correct scenario:
This represents a dramatic reversal of fortune.
Complete the dialogue.
राहुल: हम ये इलेक्शन हार रहे हैं। सीमा: चिंता मत करो, कल की रैली ______ ______ सकती है।
In politics, a rally can 'turn the tables' (pāsa palaṭnā).
Match the idiom to its meaning.
पासा पलटना
The idiom specifically means a reversal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesधोनी के छक्के ने मैच का ______ ______ दिया।
The idiom is 'pāsa palaṭ denā'.
Choose the correct scenario:
This represents a dramatic reversal of fortune.
राहुल: हम ये इलेक्शन हार रहे हैं। सीमा: चिंता मत करो, कल की रैली ______ ______ सकती है।
In politics, a rally can 'turn the tables' (pāsa palaṭnā).
पासा पलटना
The idiom specifically means a reversal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. It just means a reversal. If you were winning and then you lose, the 'pāsa' has still 'palaṭed', but for the worse.
No, that sounds strange. For weather, use 'mausam badalnā' or 'mausam ne karvaṭ badlī'.
'Pāsa' is the dice; 'Bāzī' is the game/bet. They are used interchangeably in this idiom.
Yes, if you are describing a successful turnaround. It sounds confident and idiomatic.
'Pāsa पलट गया है' (Pāsa palaṭ gayā hai) is the most accurate translation.
No, you can simply say 'Pāsa palaṭ gayā' (The dice flipped) as a complete observation.
No, it is very modern and used daily in news and sports.
Absolutely! It's the perfect way to describe a 'twist' that changes everything.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'Sthiti jyo-ki-tyo rehna' (Situation remaining as it is) would be the conceptual opposite.
No, it's too 'heavy' for that. Use 'irāda badalnā' (change of intention) instead.
Related Phrases
बाजी मारना
similarTo win or succeed unexpectedly.
कायापलट करना
builds onTo completely transform something.
वक्त बदलना
synonymFor times to change.
मिट्टी में मिलना
contrastTo be ruined or destroyed.
