Meaning
Great effort resulting in a small outcome.
Cultural Background
In Pakistan, this phrase is frequently used in political talk shows to mock government commissions that fail to produce results. The phrase is identical in Hindi (खोदा पहाड़ निकली चुहिया). It is a unifying idiom across the subcontinent used in Bollywood movies and daily life. Farmers might use this when a crop yield is unexpectedly low despite a good monsoon and hard work. Young people use it ironically for 'clickbait' on social media—when a title is exciting but the content is boring.
Use for Humor
This phrase is most effective when used with a sigh or a sarcastic smile. It's a great way to show you have a sense of humor about failure.
Gender Matters
Always use 'Chuhya' (feminine) even if you are talking about a male-dominated project. The proverb is a fixed form.
Meaning
Great effort resulting in a small outcome.
Use for Humor
This phrase is most effective when used with a sigh or a sarcastic smile. It's a great way to show you have a sense of humor about failure.
Gender Matters
Always use 'Chuhya' (feminine) even if you are talking about a male-dominated project. The proverb is a fixed form.
Political Context
If you want to sound like a native Urdu speaker discussing news, use this phrase to describe any government report.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
کھودا پہاڑ نکلا _______۔
The proverb specifically uses 'Chuhya' (mouse) to show the small result.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
A company spends $1 million on an ad campaign and only sells 2 products.
Option B describes a huge effort with a tiny result.
Choose the best response for Sara.
Ali: 'I spent 10 hours cleaning the house and only found a lost sock.' Sara: '________'
Sara is using the proverb to comment on Ali's wasted effort.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesکھودا پہاڑ نکلا _______۔
The proverb specifically uses 'Chuhya' (mouse) to show the small result.
A company spends $1 million on an ad campaign and only sells 2 products.
Option B describes a huge effort with a tiny result.
Ali: 'I spent 10 hours cleaning the house and only found a lost sock.' Sara: '________'
Sara is using the proverb to comment on Ali's wasted effort.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds 'off' to native speakers. 'Chuhya' is the traditional form and sounds more idiomatic.
It can be. It's better to use it about your own failures or about abstract things like movies/politics rather than a friend's personal effort.
No, this proverb is inherently about disappointment. For positive results from small efforts, use 'Qatra qatra darya banta hai.'
Yes, especially in journalism and satirical columns, but not in legal or scientific documents.
Related Phrases
اونچی دکان پھیکا پکوان
similarHigh-end shop, tasteless food.
نام بڑے اور درشن تھوڑے
similarBig name, little presence.
رات بھر روئے اور ایک مرا
similarCried all night and only one person died.
قطرہ قطرہ دریا بنتا ہے
contrastDrop by drop, a river is formed.
