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Description
Type: Verb phrase / Idiom
Origin: Derived from the old cultural act of fastening a waistband tightly before working or fighting. It represents mental and physical preparedness.
Cultural Significance: A common motivational expression in Urdu, symbolizing readiness for a challenge, exam, or hardship.
Expanded Features:
Polarity: Positive, motivational
Register: Idiomatic, colloquial, motivational speech
Pragmatic Sense: Encourages focus, seriousness, and determination
Synonyms (Urdu): تسمے کسنا، تیار ہونا، مستعد ہونا، خود کو سنبھالنا
Synonyms (English): brace up, get ready, prepare, strengthen, toughen up
Antonyms (Urdu): ہار ماننا، سست ہونا، غافل ہونا
Antonyms (English): neglect, quit, relax, unprepared
Key Nuances:
Literal: tying one’s waist firmly before action.
Figurative: preparing for challenges with seriousness.
Often used in speeches, teachings, and motivational talks.
Usage Contexts:
Before exams or big tasks.
In speeches to motivate teams or workers.
In personal life when taking up responsibilities.
Example Sentences:
Urdu: اگر تم نے کامیاب ہونا ہے تو کمر کس لو۔
English: If you want to succeed then gird up your loins.
Urdu: فوجیوں نے جنگ کے لئے کمر کس لی۔
English: The soldiers girded their loins for battle.
Urdu: اب وقت ضائع کرنے کا نہیں، کمر کسنے کا ہے۔
English: Now is not the time to waste, it is time to prepare seriously.
Cultural Insight:
The idiom is deeply rooted in traditional South Asian society, where fastening the waist cloth was a sign of readiness for labor or war. It has evolved into a motivational figure of speech in modern Urdu.
Related Terms:
Tasmay kasna (تسمے کسنا): to tighten laces, to prepare oneself
Taiyaar rehna (تیار رہنا): to be ready
Mustaid rehna (مستعد رہنا): to stay alert