Identify the correct meaning of the proverb 'Haathon nikli kothon chadhi'.

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

The proverb 'Haathon nikli kothon chadhi' literally translates to 'slipped from the hands and climbed onto the roof'.
Figuratively, it describes a situation or a piece of information that has gotten out of one's control and has become widely known or public.
This directly corresponds to the idea that once a word is spoken, it spreads uncontrollably and cannot be taken back, making 'A word spoken spreads everywhere' the correct interpretation.

Option A: This is incorrect. The proverb describes something that has already happened and is now out of control, not something that is impossible to achieve.
Option C: This is incorrect. The proverb highlights a problem (the uncontrollable spread of information), not a universal solution.
Option D: This is a literal, out-of-context statement that has no connection to the figurative meaning of the proverb.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Interpretation of a Proverb as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This proverb is a powerful reminder for nurses about the critical importance of patient confidentiality.
Just as a spoken word cannot be taken back, a breach of patient confidentiality can cause irreversible damage to the patient's trust and the nurse's professional reputation.
Nurses must discuss patient information only in secure, private settings and strictly on a 'need-to-know' basis with other healthcare team members.

How to Approach the Question

First, recognize that the question asks for the figurative (symbolic) meaning of a proverb, not its literal translation.
Translate the proverb literally if possible: 'Haathon nikli' means 'slipped from hands,' and 'kothon chadhi' means 'climbed onto roofs.'
Infer the symbolic meaning from the literal translation: Something leaving one's control (slipping from hands) and becoming widely public or visible (climbing onto roofs).
Evaluate each option against this symbolic meaning. 'A word spoken spreads everywhere' perfectly matches the idea of something escaping one's control and becoming public.
Eliminate the other options as they do not align with the proverb's figurative sense of loss of control and public dissemination.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.