Ab Pachtayae Hoth Kya Jab Chidiya Chug Gayi Khet

# 94

March 26, 2021

Today’s Hindi proverb (कहावत) is:

अब पछताए होत क्या जब चिड़ियाँ चुग गईं खेत

(Transliteration: Ab pachtayae hoth kya jab chidiya chug gayi khet.)

Literal translation: What is the use of repenting now when birds have devoured your farm.

Figurative meaning: It is no use feeling sorry after something bad has happened. (Similar to the English saying “It’s no use crying over spilt milk.”)

Birds devouring the farm

Usage in a sample sentence:
जॉन ने सोर्री कहा और मुझसे पूछा कि वह बैकंरप्टसी से कैसे बच सकते हैं। मैंने कहा कि उसे अपना बिसनस तब बदलना चाहिए था जब मैंने उसे सलाह दी थी। अब पछताए होत क्या जब चिड़ियाँ चुग गईं खेत?

Transliteration: John ne sorry kaha aur mujhsae poocha ki woh bankruptcy sae kaisae bach saktae hain. Mainae kaha ki usae apna business thab badalna chahiyae tha jab mainae usae salah dee thi. Ab pachtayae hoth kya jab chidiya chug gayi khet?

Translation: John said sorry and asked me how he could avoid bankruptcy. I told him that he should have changed his business then when I had advised him. What is the point in repenting now (when birds have devoured your farm) after the damage is done?

Origins of the proverb: Agriculture is one of the major activities in India. To guard your crop, you are required to take some action against the predators. If you neglect your crop, they may get eaten up by birds and animals, or stolen by humans. Once your crop is lost, there is no use in crying, complaining, or feeling sorry about it. You are not going to get any of it back. This proverb has been in use since ancient times, but it is used even today to remind us not to procrastinate on things that need to be done. It is better to do at the appropriate time what needs to be done rather than delay things and repent later.