Meaning
To sabotage someone's progress.
Cultural Background
The 'Paara' character is a staple in Malayalam comedy. Actors like Sreenivasan and Jagathy Sreekumar are famous for playing characters who constantly sabotage others. Political analysts in Kerala often use the term 'Group Paara' to describe internal sabotage within political parties during election seasons. Malayalis often joke about 'Paara' in the Gulf (Middle East) workplaces, where competition among expatriates can be high. The term is widely used in 'Troll Malayalam' memes to mock people who are jealous or obstructive.
Use with 'Pani'
You can say 'Paara pani' to mean a 'sabotage job.'
Formality Check
Don't use this with your boss unless you have a very friendly relationship.
Meaning
To sabotage someone's progress.
Use with 'Pani'
You can say 'Paara pani' to mean a 'sabotage job.'
Formality Check
Don't use this with your boss unless you have a very friendly relationship.
Cultural Nuance
If someone calls you a 'Paara', they are calling you a spoilsport.
Cinema Reference
Watch 'Sandesham' to see this idiom in action perfectly.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'vekkuka'.
അവൻ എനിക്ക് പാര ____. (He sabotaged me - Past Tense)
The past tense of 'vekkuka' is 'vechu'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'Paara vekkuka'?
Choose the correct scenario:
The idiom specifically refers to intentional sabotage.
Match the Malayalam phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Direct translations of the key terms.
Complete the dialogue.
A: എനിക്ക് ആ സമ്മാനം കിട്ടിയില്ല. B: സാരമില്ല, ആരെങ്കിലും ____ കാണും.
In the context of losing a prize, sabotage is a common explanation in this idiom's usage.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Paara vs. Pani
Practice Bank
4 exercisesഅവൻ എനിക്ക് പാര ____. (He sabotaged me - Past Tense)
The past tense of 'vekkuka' is 'vechu'.
Choose the correct scenario:
The idiom specifically refers to intentional sabotage.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translations of the key terms.
A: എനിക്ക് ആ സമ്മാനം കിട്ടിയില്ല. B: സാരമില്ല, ആരെങ്കിലും ____ കാണും.
In the context of losing a prize, sabotage is a common explanation in this idiom's usage.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it's not a swear word, but it is an accusation of bad behavior.
Yes, friends often say 'Enne paara vekkaruthe' (Don't sabotage me) jokingly.
There isn't a direct idiom, but 'Sahayikkuka' (to help) is the literal opposite.
No, use 'thadassappaduthuka' in formal contexts.
Usually yes, but you can say 'Fate sabotaged me' (Vidhi paara vechu).
It means a crowbar.
Because a crowbar is used to move/displace things from their position.
Yes, that is the noun form (sabotaging).
Yes, it is a universal Malayalam idiom.
'Paara' is an obstacle; 'Kalu varuka' is pulling the support away.
Yes, very common when a referee makes a bad call.
Avan oru paara aanu.
Related Phrases
കാലു വാരുക
similarTo pull the leg/betray.
പണി കൊടുക്കുക
similarTo give 'work' (a prank or trouble).
കുഴി തോണ്ടുക
similarTo dig a pit for someone.
തടസ്സം നിൽക്കുക
synonymTo stand as an obstacle.
