Punjabi Idioms That Bring Everyday Speech to Life

Language is more than just words. It carries humor, wisdom, and culture in the way people speak. In Punjab, idioms—known as Muhavre—have always been a colorful part of conversation. Passed down through generations, they make speech playful, expressive, and memorable.

Here are a few popular Punjabi idioms with their meanings:

• ਨਹਾਤੀ ਧੋਤੀ ਰਹਿ ਗਈ, ਮੂੰਹ ਤੇ ਮੱਖੀ ਬਾਈ ਗਈ

  "Nahati dhoti reh gyi, muh te makhi beh gyi."
  It’s about how one little flaw can overshadow all the hard work.

• ਕੁਛੜ ਕੁੜੀ ਤੇ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਢਿੰਢੋਰਾ

  Kucchar kuri te shehar dhindora.
  It highlights the irony of overlooking what is near while seeking it far away.

• ਪੈਰਾਂ ਥੱਲੇ ਤੋਂ ਜ਼ਮੀਨ ਖਿਸਕ ਗਈ

  "Pairan thalle ton zameen khisak gayi"
  To be completely shocked or surprised.

• ਇੱਟ ਕੁੱਤੇ ਦਾ ਵੈਰ

  Itt kutte da vair.
  It describes hostility without real reason, yet it continues stubbornly.

• ਖਾਣੇ ਛੋਲੇ, ਡਕਾਰ ਬਦਾਮ ਦੇ

  Khane chole, te dhakaar badama de.
  A person who shows off more than what they actually have or do.

• ਸੱਦੀ ਨਾ ਬੁਲਾਈ, ਮੈਂ ਲਾੜੇ ਦੀ ਤਾਈਂ

  Saddi na bulai, main laadhe di tayi.

  Used for people who interfere or involve themselves in matters where they have not been invited or are not needed, yet act as if they are very important.

These idioms carry the rhythm of everyday Punjab, teaching children not just words but values, humor, and ways of thinking. They show that language is alive—it grows richer when used in daily life.

At DesiBolo, we want kids to enjoy Punjabi the way we did, through play, stories, and expressions that make the language come alive. Just like idioms added fun to conversations, our app adds fun to learning. Through interactive lessons, quizzes, and chat, children pick up Hindi and Punjabi naturally while enjoying themselves.

Give your child the gift of culture and language in the same playful way it has always been passed down.

Download DesiBolo today on iOS or Android and make language learning part of playtime.