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Description
Type: Verb phrase / Idiom
Origin: Literal meaning comes from tying or fastening shoelaces tightly before running or working. Figuratively, it means to prepare with seriousness, discipline, and readiness.
Cultural Significance: In Urdu idiom usage, tasmay kasna reflects determination and preparedness before facing challenges, exams, competitions, or responsibilities.
Expanded Features:
Polarity: Positive, motivational
Register: Colloquial, idiomatic, motivational speech
Pragmatic Sense: Used to inspire seriousness, readiness, and effort
Synonyms (Urdu): تیار ہونا، سنبھلنا، کمر کسنا، مستعد ہونا
Synonyms (English): brace up, get ready, prepare, tighten, equip, strengthen
Antonyms (Urdu): سست ہونا، غافل ہونا، بے پروا ہونا
Antonyms (English): ignore, neglect, relax, unprepared
Key Nuances:
Literal: tightening shoelaces before activity.
Figurative: preparing for hard work or a challenge.
Commonly used by teachers, parents, and coaches to motivate.
Usage Contexts:
Before sports or physical activity.
As motivation before exams or work.
Figuratively in speeches or advice.
Example Sentences:
Urdu: کھیل شروع ہونے والا ہے، سب تسمے کس لو۔
English: The game is about to begin, everyone tighten your laces.
Urdu: امتحان میں کامیاب ہونا ہے تو تسمے کسنے پڑیں گے۔
English: If you want to succeed in the exam, you must get ready.
Urdu: حالات مشکل ہیں، اب تسمے کسنے کا وقت ہے۔
English: Times are tough, now it is time to brace up.
Cultural Insight:
This idiom reflects the South Asian cultural emphasis on discipline, effort, and preparedness. It often carries both a literal and motivational force, showing how everyday actions like tying shoelaces become symbolic in language.
Related Terms:
Kamar kasna (کمر کسنا): to gird up one’s loins, to prepare seriously
Tayyar rehna (تیار رہنا): to be ready
Mustaid hona (مستعد ہونا): to be alert