A2 Idiom Neutro 2 min de leitura

तलवार की धार पर चलना

Walk on sword edge

Literalmente: तलवार (Sword) की (of) धार (edge) पर (on) चलना (to walk)

Use this to describe high-pressure situations where one wrong move leads to total failure.

Em 15 segundos

  • Navigating a very risky or delicate situation with extreme care.
  • A metaphor for high-stakes tasks where mistakes are costly.
  • Commonly used in professional, political, or serious personal contexts.

Significado

This phrase describes a situation where you are dealing with something incredibly risky or delicate. It is like walking on a tightrope where one small mistake could lead to a big disaster.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

Talking about a difficult project at work

Naya project sambhalna talwar ki dhar par chalne jaisa hai.

Handling the new project is like walking on a sword's edge.

💼
2

Discussing a fragile relationship with a friend

Aaj kal hamara rishta talwar ki dhar par chal raha hai.

These days our relationship is walking on a razor's edge.

💭
3

Texting about a strict boss

Boss ke samne baat karna talwar ki dhar par chalna hai!

Talking in front of the boss is like walking on a sword's edge!

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

The phrase draws from the Rajput and Mughal eras where swordplay was a vital skill. It symbolizes the 'Maryada' or the strict code of conduct that is often difficult to maintain. In modern times, it is frequently used in Bollywood cinema to depict a hero's impossible journey or a forbidden romance.

💡

Verb Agreement

Remember to change 'chalna' to match the person. For 'she walks', use 'chalti hai'. For 'they walk', use 'chalte hain'.

⚠️

Don't over-dramatize

If you use this for something trivial like 'choosing a pizza topping', people will think you are being sarcastic or too dramatic.

Em 15 segundos

  • Navigating a very risky or delicate situation with extreme care.
  • A metaphor for high-stakes tasks where mistakes are costly.
  • Commonly used in professional, political, or serious personal contexts.

What It Means

Imagine balancing on the sharpest part of a blade. One slip and things go wrong instantly. This idiom describes a high-stakes situation. It is about navigating a path that requires extreme caution. You use it when a task is both difficult and dangerous.

How To Use It

You use it as a verb phrase. You can say someone is 'walking' on the edge. In Hindi, you conjugate chalna (to walk) based on the subject. For example, main chal raha hoon means 'I am walking.' It sounds dramatic and serious. It adds weight to the struggle you are describing. Use it to show you are under immense pressure.

When To Use It

Use it when discussing a risky business deal. It fits perfectly when talking about a fragile relationship. You can use it during exam season when one mark matters. It is great for political discussions or office politics. Use it when you want to sound poetic yet firm. It works well in a heart-to-heart talk about life's struggles.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it for minor inconveniences. If you missed the bus, this is too dramatic. Avoid it in very lighthearted, bubbly conversations. It is not for physical activities like hiking. Do not use it if the risk is non-existent. It might make you sound like a 'drama queen' if used for small things. Keep it for moments that actually feel 'sharp' or risky.

Cultural Background

This phrase comes from India's rich history of warrior culture. Swords (talwar) were symbols of power and honor. The 'edge' represents the thin line between victory and defeat. It reflects the Indian philosophical view of life as a constant challenge. It has been used for centuries in folk tales and poetry. Today, it remains a favorite for news headlines and movie dialogues.

Common Variations

You might hear do-dhari talwar (double-edged sword). This means something has both good and bad effects. Another variation is aag par chalna (walking on fire). Both imply extreme difficulty. However, talwar ki dhar specifically emphasizes precision and risk. It is about the sharpness of the situation. It is a classic that every Hindi speaker recognizes immediately.

Notas de uso

This idiom is neutral in formality, making it safe for both office and home. Ensure you conjugate the verb `chalna` correctly to avoid sounding like a textbook.

💡

Verb Agreement

Remember to change 'chalna' to match the person. For 'she walks', use 'chalti hai'. For 'they walk', use 'chalte hain'.

⚠️

Don't over-dramatize

If you use this for something trivial like 'choosing a pizza topping', people will think you are being sarcastic or too dramatic.

💬

The Bollywood Connection

This phrase is a staple in 70s and 80s Bollywood movies. Using it today gives you a cool, classic 'filmy' vibe.

Exemplos

6
#1 Talking about a difficult project at work
💼

Naya project sambhalna talwar ki dhar par chalne jaisa hai.

Handling the new project is like walking on a sword's edge.

Shows the professional risk involved.

#2 Discussing a fragile relationship with a friend
💭

Aaj kal hamara rishta talwar ki dhar par chal raha hai.

These days our relationship is walking on a razor's edge.

Expresses emotional tension and delicacy.

#3 Texting about a strict boss
😊

Boss ke samne baat karna talwar ki dhar par chalna hai!

Talking in front of the boss is like walking on a sword's edge!

Adds a bit of hyperbole to a stressful work situation.

#4 A humorous take on a diet
😄

Shaadi ke season mein dieting karna talwar ki dhar par chalna hai.

Dieting during wedding season is like walking on a sword's edge.

Uses a serious idiom for a funny, relatable struggle.

#5 Formal political commentary
👔

Sarkar ke liye naya kanoon talwar ki dhar par chalne ke barabar hai.

For the government, the new law is equivalent to walking on a sword's edge.

Standard usage in news or formal debate.

#6 Encouraging someone to be careful
🤝

Sambhal kar raho, tum talwar ki dhar par chal rahe ho.

Be careful, you are walking on a sword's edge.

A direct warning to a friend or colleague.

Teste-se

Complete the sentence to describe a risky situation.

Sach bolna kabhi kabhi ___ par chalne jaisa hota hai.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: talwar ki dhar

Telling the truth can be risky, making 'talwar ki dhar' (sword's edge) the correct metaphor.

Which verb correctly completes the idiom?

Mushkil waqt mein humein talwar ki dhar par ___ padta hai.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: chalna

The idiom specifically uses 'chalna' (to walk) to indicate the slow, careful movement required.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality Spectrum

Informal

Used with friends to exaggerate a tough situation.

Bhai, ye exam to talwar ki dhar hai!

Neutral

Common in daily conversation about work or life.

Naukri bachana talwar ki dhar par chalna hai.

Formal

Used in journalism and literature.

Rajniti talwar ki dhar par chalne ka naam hai.

Where to use 'Talwar ki dhar par chalna'

Risky Situations
💼

Office Politics

Navigating a promotion battle.

🏠

Strict Parenting

Asking for a late-night party.

📉

Financial Risk

Investing all savings in crypto.

🤫

Social Blunders

Keeping a secret between two friends.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, it is purely metaphorical. It refers to a situation that requires the same level of focus and carries the same risk as walking on a blade.

Not really. It implies risk of failure or danger, not just physical effort. Use khoon pasina ek karna (to sweat blood and water) for hard work instead.

Yes, it is very common in professional settings. You can say Market ki halat dekh kar lagta hai hum talwar ki dhar par chal rahe hain to describe a volatile market.

They are similar, but 'walking on eggshells' is more about not upsetting someone. Talwar ki dhar is broader and implies a more serious, life-altering risk.

It is a classic, but definitely not outdated. It is still used daily in newspapers, news channels, and serious conversations.

You would say Main talwar ki dhar par chal raha hoon. Use rahi hoon if you are female.

Yes, it works well for things like tightrope walking or extreme sports where the risk is literal and metaphorical.

People sometimes just say Ye to talwar ki dhar hai (This is a sword's edge) to describe the situation itself.

Rarely. It almost always describes a stressful or precarious situation. However, successfully doing it implies great skill.

Mixing up the words, like saying talwar par chalna. Always include ki dhar (the edge) to make it the correct idiom.

Frases relacionadas

लोहे के चने चबाना

To perform an incredibly difficult task (literally: chewing iron chickpeas).

आग से खेलना

To play with fire / take unnecessary risks.

दो-धारी तलवार

A double-edged sword (something with both pros and cons).

मौत के मुँह में जाना

To go into the mouth of death / take a fatal risk.

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