Indian Proverbs

Indian proverbs

Indian proverbs

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This page is for proverbs from any of the proverbs from any of the languages of India. There are 17 languages of India. There are 17 official languages and many more dialects (almostofficial languages and many more dialects (almost 500) in India. Note

500) in India. Note that proverbs in Kannada can bthat proverbs in Kannada can be copy-pasted into Baraha(free transliteration software)[e copy-pasted into Baraha(free transliteration software)[1]1] (http://www.baraha.com/) to see them in its actual script. See

(http://www.baraha.com/) to see them in its actual script. See List of Indian Languages at WikipediaList of Indian Languages at Wikipedia See also: Bengali proverbs, Malayalam proverbs, Tamil proverbs, Telugu

See also: Bengali proverbs, Malayalam proverbs, Tamil proverbs, Telugu proverbs, Hindi proverbs, Kannada proverbs,proverbs, Hindi proverbs, Kannada proverbs, Sanskrit proverbs Sanskrit proverbs A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

A

 

आलीया भोगासी 

आलीया भोगासी 

,,

असावे

असावे सादर 

सादर 

.(Marathi).(Marathi) 

 Aada theriyadhava koodam konal endralamAada theriyadhava koodam konal endralam(Tamil)(Tamil)





 ¾   }

 ¾   }

 ¾   }

 ¾   }

 ¾   }

 ¾   }

 ¾   }

 ¾   }





 ¾}   }

 ¾}   }

 ¾}   }

 ¾}   }

 ¾}   }

 ¾}   }

 ¾}   }

 ¾}   }



 Literal: The woman who did not know how to dance called the stage as nLiteral: The woman who did not know how to dance called the stage as not proper.ot proper. 

 Translation: Bad workman blame their tools.Translation: Bad workman blame their tools. 

 Hindi :Hindi :

नाच न जाने आं

नाच न जाने

नाच न जाने आं

नाच न जाने आं

नाच न जाने

नाच न जाने आं

नाच न जाने

नाच न जाने

आंगन टेढ़ा।

आंगन टेढ़ा।

आंगन टेढ़ा।

आंगन टेढ़ा।

गन टेढ़ा।

गन टेढ़ा।

गन टेढ़ा।

गन टेढ़ा।



 Hindi Transliteration :Hindi Transliteration :Naach naa jaane aangan tedha.Naach naa jaane aangan tedha. 

 Oriya Equivalent:Oriya Equivalent:Chali Na jani batara dosa.Chali Na jani batara dosa.(Some show defects of road, who don't know how (Some show defects of road, who don't know how to walk to walk 

 perfectly.)  perfectly.)



 Telugu Translation :Telugu Translation :Aadaleka madhela vodu annatlu.Aadaleka madhela vodu annatlu. 

 Aasa laavu peeka sannamAasa laavu peeka sannam(Telugu)(Telugu) 



  

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

 

 

 

 

(Telugu)(Telugu) 

 Literal: Fat desire, thin throat.Literal: Fat desire, thin throat. 

 Translation:To desire for more than one what one Translation:To desire for more than one what one can handle.can handle. 

 English Equivalent: To bite more than one can chew.English Equivalent: To bite more than one can chew.



 Ati shahaana tyaacha bail rikaamaAti shahaana tyaacha bail rikaama(Marathi)(Marathi) 



आग रामेर आण बं

आग रामेर आण बं

आग रामे

आग रामे

आग रामे

आग रामे

आग रामेर आण बं

आग रामेर आण बं

र आण बंब सोमेर 

र आण बंब सोमेर 

र आण बंब सोमे

र आण बंब सोमे

ब सोमेर 

ब सोमेर 

ब सोमेर 

ब सोमेर 

र 

र 

- Aag Rameshwari Aanee Bamb Someshwari- Aag Rameshwari Aanee Bamb Someshwari(Marathi)(Marathi) 

 Literal: Fire in Rameshwar (city at southern tip Literal: Fire in Rameshwar (city at southern tip of India) and firefighting in Someshwar (city in of India) and firefighting in Someshwar (city in North India)North India) 

 Translation: The problem is one thing and Translation: The problem is one thing and the solution is given for something else.the solution is given for something else. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:    ??      

।।

Chhele koTa? na puRiye khabO.Chhele koTa? na puRiye khabO. 

                         ,,                        

।।।।।।।।

- age rUp nehari, pore guN bichari.- age rUp nehari, pore guN bichari.(Bengali)(Bengali) 

 Literal: Looks attracts first, quality qualifies later.Literal: Looks attracts first, quality qualifies later. 

                     (Malayalam)(Malayalam) 



 Translation: The grass is always greener on Translation: The grass is always greener on the other side.the other side. 

 Telugu equivalent: Poriginti pullakoora ruchiTelugu equivalent: Poriginti pullakoora ruchi 

                                 

।।।।।।।।

- Ati sannyasite gajon nosto.- Ati sannyasite gajon nosto.(Bengali)(Bengali)

unthon se mor marvane(hindi) unthon se mor marvane(hindi)



 Literal: Too many cooks spoil the broth.Literal: Too many cooks spoil the broth. 

 Maithili equivalent:Maithili equivalent:

Ïयादे जोगी मठ उजाड़।

Ïयादे जोगी मठ उजाड़।



 Aanakaaryam Pareyumbol Aano htrChenakkaryam?Aanakaaryam Pareyumbol Aano htrChenakkaryam? (Malayalam)(Malayalam) 

 Literal: When you are discussing about elephant don't Literal: When you are discussing about elephant don't talk about yam matters.talk about yam matters. 

 Translation: Do not bring up small issues duTranslation: Do not bring up small issues during major problems.ring major problems.



 ÀÀÀ ¡ÀÀ ¡ÀÀ ¡ÀÀÀÀ ¡À ¡ÀÈ ¡ÀÈ ¡ÀÈ ¡ÀÈÈÈÈÈ 

 In roman script:In roman script:duDDE doDDappaduDDE doDDappa(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 Literal: Money by itself is like a Literal: Money by itself is like a goDfather.goDfather. 

 Translation: Money is everything in Translation: Money is everything in real/practical world.real/practical world. 

 English equivalent: In God we trust, English equivalent: In God we trust, all others must pay cash.all others must pay cash. 

 Hindi:Hindi: 

 Hindi Transliteration: paise hi sab kuch hai.Hindi Transliteration: paise hi sab kuch hai. 



आपनॊ गूरॊ गू

आपनॊ गू

आपनॊ गूरॊ गू

आपनॊ गू

आपनॊ गूरॊ गू

आपनॊ गूरॊ गू

आपनॊ गू

आपनॊ गू

रॊ गूरॊ 

रॊ गूरॊ 

रॊ गूरॊ 

रॊ गूरॊ 

रॊ 

रॊ 

रॊ 

रॊ 

,,

दोसरा के गू

दोसरा के गू

दोसरा के

दोसरा के

दोसरा के गू

दोसरा के गू

दोसरा के

दोसरा के

गूरॊ समाठॊ लॆ

गूरॊ समाठॊ लॆ

गूरॊ समाठॊ लॆ

गूरॊ समाठॊ लॆ

रॊ समाठॊ लॆ कॆ

रॊ समाठॊ लॆ कॆ

रॊ समाठॊ लॆ कॆ

रॊ समाठॊ लॆ कॆ

कॆ हरॊ 

कॆ

कॆ हरॊ 

कॆ

कॆ

कॆ हरॊ 

कॆ हरॊ 

कॆ

कॆ

कॆ

कॆ

कॆ

 ूू

 ू

 ू

 ूू

हरॊ 

 ू

 ू

हरॊ 

हरॊ 

हरॊ 

(Angika)(Angika) 

 Literal: Boils on one's own Literal: Boils on one's own body is considered as painful while body is considered as painful while those on others are deemed painless.those on others are deemed painless. 

 Translation: One can not understand and realise the Translation: One can not understand and realise the pain of others.pain of others.





आसमान से िगरे खजू

आसमान से

आसमान से

आसमान से िगरे खजू

आसमान से

आसमान से िगरे खजू

आसमान से

आसमान से िगरे खजू

िगरे खजूर म

िगरे खजूर म

िगरे खजूर म अटके

िगरे खजूर म अटके

र म अटके

र म अटके

र म अटके

र म अटके

अटके

अटके

(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Literal: Fell from the sky, got stuck in a date palm.Literal: Fell from the sky, got stuck in a date palm. 

 Translation: From the frying pan into the fire.Translation: From the frying pan into the fire. 

 Marathi equivalent: Aagitun fufaatyaat padane.Marathi equivalent: Aagitun fufaatyaat padane.

आगीतू

आगीतून फु

न फु

फु

फु फा

फाÒया

Òया

यात प

यात प णे

णे



 Telugu equivalent: Anna prasanannpude avakayi annam pettaru.Telugu equivalent: Anna prasanannpude avakayi annam pettaru. 

 Literal: A child is not fed with pickled rice at the Literal: A child is not fed with pickled rice at the time of naming ceremony.time of naming ceremony. 

 Anni vunna aaku anigi manigi vuntae aemi laeni aaku yegiri yegiri padithiAnni vunna aaku anigi manigi vuntae aemi laeni aaku yegiri yegiri padithi(Telugu)(Telugu) 



    

   

   

    

   

    

    

   

 

 

 

 

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

 

 

 









    

    

    

    



 Literal: Fully served leaf (used to serve food) Literal: Fully served leaf (used to serve food) sticks to the ground whereas empty leaf sticks to the ground whereas empty leaf flies all over.flies all over. 

 Translation: Empty vessels make more Translation: Empty vessels make more noise.noise. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:        

।।

khali kolsi baje beSI. ;khali kolsi baje beSI. ;  --      ,,        ? hati-ghORa gelo? hati-ghORa gelo

tol, moSa bole kotO jol? tol, moSa bole kotO jol?



 Araante ammakku pranthu pitichaal kaanaan nalla seluAraante ammakku pranthu pitichaal kaanaan nalla selu(Malayalam)(Malayalam) 

 Literal : If somebody's mother goes mad, it is a good scene to watchLiteral : If somebody's mother goes mad, it is a good scene to watch 

 Translation : It is always enjoyable to Translation : It is always enjoyable to make fun of others tragedy till make fun of others tragedy till it actually hits you.it actually hits you. 

 Bengali equivalent :Bengali equivalent :                

।।

                    ?? 

 Bengali Transliteration : porer chhele poromanondo Joto ucchhonne jay toto anondo Bengali Transliteration : porer chhele poromanondo Joto ucchhonne jay toto anondo ; ki Jatona biShe bujhibe; ki Jatona biShe bujhibe

se kise kobhu aSIbiShe dongseni Jare? se kise kobhu aSIbiShe dongseni Jare?



 Aalasyam amrutham vishamAalasyam amrutham visham(Sanskrit)(Sanskrit) 





तुम जयो हजार साल 

तु

तुम जयो हजार साल 

तु

तुम जयो हजार साल 

तु

तु

तुम जयो हजार साल 

म जयो हजार साल 

म जयो हजार साल 

म जयो हजार साल 

म जयो हजार साल 

,,

साल के

साल के दन हो पचास हजार 

साल के

साल के दन हो पचास हजार 

साल के

साल के दन हो पचास हजार 

साल के

साल के दन हो पचास हजार 

दन हो पचास हजार 

दन हो पचास हजार 

दन हो पचास हजार 

दन हो पचास हजार 

(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Literal: May you live a thousand years and may each year have a fifty thousand daysLiteral: May you live a thousand years and may each year have a fifty thousand days 

 Translation: May you live a long Translation: May you live a long life.life. 

 Aalu ledu Choolu ledu koduku peru somalingamAalu ledu Choolu ledu koduku peru somalingam(Telugu)(Telugu)

     

      

 

     

      

     

 

      

 

     

      

 



 Literal: You don't have a wife or conception yet but you have named your son Somalingam.Literal: You don't have a wife or conception yet but you have named your son Somalingam. 

 Translation: You are making plans without acquiring the required resources.Translation: You are making plans without acquiring the required resources. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:        

।।

na biiye kanaiyer ma. ;na biiye kanaiyer ma. ;        

।।

gachhe ka^Thal, gO^fe tel.gachhe ka^Thal, gO^fe tel. 

 Hindi equivalent:Hindi equivalent:

सू

सूत ना कपास 

त ना कपास 

,,

जु

जुलाह म

लाह म लाठा 

लाठा 

--

लाठ 

लाठ 



 Literal Meaning : There is neither cotton nor Literal Meaning : There is neither cotton nor thread, yet weavers are fighting.thread, yet weavers are fighting. 

 English Transliteration : Soot naa kapaas, julaahon me laatha English Transliteration : Soot naa kapaas, julaahon me laatha laathi.laathi. 

 Maithili equivalent:Maithili equivalent:

गाछ म

गाछ म कटहल 

कटहल 

,,

ठोर म

ठोर म तेल।

तेल।



 Another Maithili equivalent:Another Maithili equivalent:

िपान म

िपान म मछली 

मछली 

,,

नौ टुक बखड़ा।

नौ टुक बखड़ा।





अपना हरा ना िखोलये बी

अपना हरा ना िखोलये बी

अपना हरा ना िखोलये

अपना हरा ना िखोलये

अपना हरा ना िखोलये बी

अपना हरा ना िखोलये बी

अपना हरा ना िखोलये

अपना हरा ना िखोलये

बीच

बीच

बीच

बीच

च कु

च कु

च कु

च कु

कु

कु ÛÛजड

कु

कु ÛÛजड

कु Ûज

कु

कु Ûज

कु

कु

कु

कु

कु

Ûज ा 

Ûज ा 

जड ा 

जड ा 

ा 

ा 

ा 

ा 

--

कबीर 

कबीर 

कबीर 

कबीर 

कबीर 

कबीर 

कबीर 

कबीर 

(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Meaning : One should not show his diamonds to a greengrocer Meaning : One should not show his diamonds to a greengrocer  

 Translation:...Translation:...neither cast ye your pearls before neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet,...-Bibleswine, lest they trample them under their feet,...-Bible {Matt.7:6(KJV)}

{Matt.7:6(KJV)} 

 English Transliteration :English Transliteration : Apnaa heera naa kholiye beech kunjdaa haat - KabirApnaa heera naa kholiye beech kunjdaa haat - Kabir

अब पछताए होत Èया जब िचड़या चु

अब पछताए होत Èया जब िचड़या चुग गई खे

ग गई खेत 

त 

अब पछताए होत Èया जब िचड़या चु

अब पछताए होत Èया जब िचड़या चुग गई खे

अब पछताए होत Èया जब िचड़या चु

अब पछताए होत Èया जब िचड़या चुग गई खे

ग गई खेत 

ग गई खेत 

त 

त 

अब पछताए होत Èया जब िचड़या चु

अब पछताए होत Èया जब िचड़या चुग गई खे

ग गई खेत 

त 

(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Literal: What is the use of crying when the birds ate the whole farm.Literal: What is the use of crying when the birds ate the whole farm. 

 Translation: There is no use crying over Translation: There is no use crying over something that has already finished/happened.something that has already finished/happened. 

 Telugu equivalent: Chethulu kalaka akulu Telugu equivalent: Chethulu kalaka akulu pattukunnattupattukunnattu 

 Sanskrit equivalent:Sanskrit equivalent:

गोतोयो सोचोन नात 

गोतोयो सोचोन नात 

((

यथा कम तथा सत 

यथा कम तथा सत 

)) 

                                 

।।।।।।।।

- Arthoi anorther mool.- Arthoi anorther mool.(Bengali)(Bengali) 

 Literal: Money is the root cause of Literal: Money is the root cause of unhappiness.unhappiness. 

 Aap bhalaa toe jag bhalaa.Aap bhalaa toe jag bhalaa. (Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Literal: If you are noble you will find world noble.Literal: If you are noble you will find world noble. 

 Hindi equivalent: Man changa toe kathuti may Ganga.Hindi equivalent: Man changa toe kathuti may Ganga. 

 Cheyadagina sathavunna cheyaalemonanna bhayamu ventadutu vuntundhi...Cheyadagina sathavunna cheyaalemonanna bhayamu ventadutu vuntundhi...

Bhayamu shakthivantha mainadhe, kani nammakamu

Bhayamu shakthivantha mainadhe, kani nammakamu antha kanna shakthivantha mainadhi... antha kanna shakthivantha mainadhi... Nammakamutho mundukelluNammakamutho mundukellu vijayamu neethone vuntundhi...

vijayamu neethone vuntundhi...



 Translation: You have guts to do the things, but due to fear you are not wTranslation: You have guts to do the things, but due to fear you are not w illing to complete the things;illing to complete the things;

accepting that fear is more power, but confidence is more power than the fear, so please move with accepting that fear is more power, but confidence is more power than the fear, so please move with confidence, then you will always get

confidence, then you will always get success.success.



 Ati parichayaat avadnyaAti parichayaat avadnya(Marathi)(Marathi) 

 Literal: Excessive familiarity causes disrespect.Literal: Excessive familiarity causes disrespect. 

 Translation: Familiarity breeds contempt.Translation: Familiarity breeds contempt. 

Insert non-formatted text here Insert non-formatted text here

B

B





बाजारात तूर आण भट भटनीला मार 

बाजारात तू

बाजारात तू

बाजारात तूर आण भट भटनीला मार 

बाजारात तू

बाजारात तूर आण भट भटनीला मार 

बाजारात तू

बाजारात तूर आण भट भटनीला मार 

र आण भट भटनीला मार 

र आण भट भटनीला मार 

र आण भट भटनीला मार 

र आण भट भटनीला मार 

Bajaraat Toori anee bhat bhatnila maariBajaraat Toori anee bhat bhatnila maari(Marathi)(Marathi) 

 Literal: Lentils are still in the market and the Literal: Lentils are still in the market and the Brahmin is beating his wife (for her Brahmin is beating his wife (for her failure to cook themfailure to cook them

 properly).  properly).



 Translation: Fighting for hypothetical failure of things you don't have.Translation: Fighting for hypothetical failure of things you don't have. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                        

।।।।।।।।

gorIber ghORa rog.gorIber ghORa rog.





बÛदर कभी गुलाट मारना नहं

बÛदर कभी गुलाट मारना नहं

बÛदर कभी गु

बÛदर कभी गु

बÛदर कभी गुलाट मारना नहं

बÛदर कभी गु

बÛदर कभी गु

बÛदर कभी गुलाट मारना नहं

लाट मारना नहं भू

लाट मारना नहं भू

लाट मारना नहं भू

लाट मारना नहं भू

भूलता 

भूलता 

भूलता 

भूलता 

लता 

लता 

लता 

लता 

(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 English equivalent: Old habbits die hard.English equivalent: Old habbits die hard. 

 ¦´  ¹¦´ ¦´ ¦´  ¹¦´ ¦´  ¹¦´  ¹¦´  ¹¹¹¹ ²  ²  ²  ²  ²  ²  ²  ² bekku kannu muchchikondu haalu kudidantebekku kannu muchchikondu haalu kudidante(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 Literal: It is like a cat drinking milk with eyes closedLiteral: It is like a cat drinking milk with eyes closed 

 Translation: Others can see through a misdeed despite pretensions.Translation: Others can see through a misdeed despite pretensions. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:         bokdharrmik ; bokdharrmik ;                 beRal toposwI beRal toposwI 

 Telugu equivalent: pilli kallu musukuni Telugu equivalent: pilli kallu musukuni palu thaginattundipalu thaginattundi 



    

    



. (. (





)) 

 bekkige chellata ilige prana sankatabekkige chellata ilige prana sankata(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 bellagiruvudella haalallabellagiruvudella haalalla(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 biriya hunda brahmana bikshe bedidananthebiriya hunda brahmana bikshe bedidananthe(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 bEline eddu hola mEdre hEge?bEline eddu hola mEdre hEge?(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 Literal: The fence itself grazed through the field.Literal: The fence itself grazed through the field. 

 Translation: A fence is meant to stop Translation: A fence is meant to stop cattle from grazing. What if the fence cattle from grazing. What if the fence is the culprit? This proverb comesis the culprit? This proverb comes

from a skepticism of those who break laws they are supposed to uphold. from a skepticism of those who break laws they are supposed to uphold.



 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                        sorrSher modhye bhUt.sorrSher modhye bhUt. 





  

 



    

... (... (





)) 

 bhangi dEvarige henDaguDuka pUjaribhangi dEvarige henDaguDuka pUjari (Kannada)(Kannada) 

 (For the God who is on dope you (For the God who is on dope you need a priest who is a drunk).need a priest who is a drunk). 

 The underlings are usually quite a match for the rogues in power whom they serve.The underlings are usually quite a match for the rogues in power whom they serve. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                                Jemon kukur temon mugur Jemon kukur temon mugur                                                 Jemoni bunO OlJemoni bunO Ol

temoni bagha te^tul. temoni bagha te^tul.



 Maithili equivalent:Maithili equivalent:

पीठ तब ते

पीठ तब तेना करयौ 

ना करयौ 

,,

जे

जेना बहे वयार।

ना बहे वयार।

Move your back according to the wind.Move your back according to the wind. 

 bhikshukaha bhikshuken drishtwa kukkurenwat gurgurayatebhikshukaha bhikshuken drishtwa kukkurenwat gurgurayate(sanskrit)(sanskrit) 

 Literal: Upon seeing another beggar (on his Literal: Upon seeing another beggar (on his turf) the beggar growls like a turf) the beggar growls like a dog.dog. 

 Professional jealousy affects everybody including beggars.Professional jealousy affects everybody including beggars. 



बंबंदर Èया जाने

बंबंदर Èया जाने

बंबंदर Èया जाने

बंबंदर Èया जाने

दर Èया जाने अदरक का वाद 

दर Èया जाने अदरक का वाद 

दर Èया जाने अदरक का वाद 

दर Èया जाने अदरक का वाद 

अदरक का वाद 

अदरक का वाद 

अदरक का वाद 

अदरक का वाद 

Bandar kya jaane adark ka swaadBandar kya jaane adark ka swaad(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Literal: What does a monkey know of the taste of ginger?Literal: What does a monkey know of the taste of ginger? 

 Translation: Someone who can't understand can't appreciateTranslation: Someone who can't understand can't appreciate 

 English equivalent: Laying pearls before swineEnglish equivalent: Laying pearls before swine 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                                            Chasa ki jane karpurer gunChasa ki jane karpurer gun 

 Kannada equivalent: Katthegenu gotthu Kasthuri vaasne (A donkey would Kannada equivalent: Katthegenu gotthu Kasthuri vaasne (A donkey would not know the scent not know the scent of Kasthuri)of Kasthuri) 

 Malayalam equivalent: Nallathe ariyo nayikeMalayalam equivalent: Nallathe ariyo nayike 

 Marathi equivalent:Marathi equivalent:

गा

गा वा

गा वा

गा

गा

गा वा

गा

गा वा

गा

गा

गा

गा

वा

वाला

वाला

वा

वाला

वाला

वा

वा

ला गु

ला गु

ला गु

ला गु

ला गु

ला गु

ला गु

ला गु

ला

ला

ला

ला

गु ळाची चव काय 

गु

गु ळाची चव काय 

गु ळाची चव काय 

गु

गु

गु

गु ळाची चव काय 

ळाची चव काय 

ळाची चव काय 

ळाची चव काय 

ळाची चव काय 

Gaadhavala gulaachi chav kay (A donkey Gaadhavala gulaachi chav kay (A donkey cannot appreciatecannot appreciate

the taste of jaggery) the taste of jaggery)



 Tamil equivalent : Kazhudaikku theriyuma karpoora vaasanai (What does Donkey know Tamil equivalent : Kazhudaikku theriyuma karpoora vaasanai (What does Donkey know about the smell of about the smell of 

Camphor?). Camphor?).



 Telugu equivalent : Gadida kemi thelusu Gandapu Telugu equivalent : Gadida kemi thelusu Gandapu vasana (or) Pandi kemi thelusu panneru vasana.vasana (or) Pandi kemi thelusu panneru vasana. 







 

   

  

? (? (





))



 

   

  

??



 Bhains ke aage been bajanaBhains ke aage been bajana(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Bhens aagal bhaagvatBhens aagal bhaagvat(Gujarati)/ **(Gujarati)/ **

Literal: Reading Bhagvat Geeta (Hindu holy book) to a buffalo (is a waste) Literal: Reading Bhagvat Geeta (Hindu holy book) to a buffalo (is a waste)



 Translation: Tailor your speech to your audience.Translation: Tailor your speech to your audience. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                                 phuTO patre jol Dhala phuTO patre jol Dhala 

 Hindi equivalent: Bhains ke aage been Hindi equivalent: Bhains ke aage been bajaave, bhains khadi paguraae (buffalo busily chews cud bajaave, bhains khadi paguraae (buffalo busily chews cud ignoring theignoring the

flute being played to it). flute being played to it).



 Kannada equivalent : Katthe munde kindari baarisida haage (playing musical instrument in front of Kannada equivalent : Katthe munde kindari baarisida haage (playing musical instrument in front of a donkey).a donkey). 

 Kannada equivalent : koNana munde kinnuDi bKannada equivalent : koNana munde kinnuDi baarisida haage (playing musical instrument in front of aaarisida haage (playing musical instrument in front of a

 buffalo).  buffalo).



 Malayalam equivalent: Poathinoadu vedham oadheettu karyam illaMalayalam equivalent: Poathinoadu vedham oadheettu karyam illa 

 Tamil equivalent: Sevindan Kaadhil sanguTamil equivalent: Sevindan Kaadhil sangu 

 Telugu equivalent: chavitodi mundu shankam oodinatlu (playing flute to a deaf Telugu equivalent: chavitodi mundu shankam oodinatlu (playing flute to a deaf person).person). 







   

  



    

...

C

C



 Chakkinu Vechatu Kokkinu KonduChakkinu Vechatu Kokkinu Kondu(Malayalam)(Malayalam) 

 Trap made for some one, but got trapped someone elseTrap made for some one, but got trapped someone else 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                                ,,                        

।।।।।।।।



 Chakkikotha chankaranChakkikotha chankaran(Malayalam)(Malayalam) 

 Made for each other.Made for each other. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent: ))        ;;))                                

।।।।।।।।



 Ariyatha pilla choriumbo AriyamAriyatha pilla choriumbo Ariyam(Malayalam)(Malayalam) 

 People feel it when they have it.People feel it when they have it. 

 chelige parupatya kotta haagechelige parupatya kotta haage(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 (It is like giving authority to a (It is like giving authority to a scorpion).pEnuku pettanamistE talaMtascorpion).pEnuku pettanamistE talaMtaa tega gorigiMdaTa(telugu)a tega gorigiMdaTa(telugu) 

 If the mean people get into positions of authority they cause a great damage like a scorpion, which needs noIf the mean people get into positions of authority they cause a great damage like a scorpion, which needs no

reason to sting, would work overtime if asked to do so. reason to sting, would work overtime if asked to do so.



 cheviti vaadi mundu sankham oodinattucheviti vaadi mundu sankham oodinattu(Telugu)(Telugu)



 

   

  



    





 

 

   

   

  

  





    

    



 

   

  



    

((

















)) 

 (like blowing a conch in front of a deaf person)(like blowing a conch in front of a deaf person) 

 interpretation: doing a interpretation: doing a useless thinguseless thing 

 chinte illadavanige santeyallU niddechinte illadavanige santeyallU nidde(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 (One without worries can doze o(One without worries can doze off in a market place).ff in a market place). 

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

((

















)) 

 Literal Meaning: Even though the tamaring is dead, Literal Meaning: Even though the tamaring is dead, the sourness is not deadthe sourness is not dead 

 Interpretation: Even though the Interpretation: Even though the person has lost, he person has lost, he hasn't lost his pride.hasn't lost his pride. 

 chapti dhul ni jaroor padechapti dhul ni jaroor pade(Gujarati)(Gujarati) 

 Interpretation1-Sometimes only a pinch of Interpretation1-Sometimes only a pinch of sand is all you sand is all you need.need. 

 Interpretation2-Sometimes you do need a Interpretation2-Sometimes you do need a pinch of sand too.pinch of sand too. 

 Even insignifcant people have their importance at times.Even insignifcant people have their importance at times. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                                            

।।।।।।।।



 chorer mayer boro gola.chorer mayer boro gola.(Bengali)[(Bengali)[                                

।।।।।।।।



 somebody who is the culprit shouts somebody who is the culprit shouts louder.louder. 

 Chaar din ki chaandni phir andheri raatChaar din ki chaandni phir andheri raat(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Literal: Dark nights will return after these few moonlit nightsLiteral: Dark nights will return after these few moonlit nights 

 Translation: While rejoicing during good times one should not forget that Translation: While rejoicing during good times one should not forget that more trying times will also return.more trying times will also return.

This is a natural cycle

This is a natural cycle of events in nature.of events in nature.



 Chupdi aur doe doe!Chupdi aur doe doe!(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Literal: Want two instead of one (slice of Literal: Want two instead of one (slice of bread) and that too smeared with bread) and that too smeared with butter!butter! 

 Translation: Asking for too much.Translation: Asking for too much. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                                

।।।।।।।।

D

D



 dUrada beTTa nuNNagedUrada beTTa nuNNage(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 Literal: Distant hill looks beautifulLiteral: Distant hill looks beautiful 

 English equivalent: Grass is always greener on the English equivalent: Grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.other side of the fence. 

 Hindi equivalent: Door ke dhor suhaane Hindi equivalent: Door ke dhor suhaane (distant mountains look beautiful).(distant mountains look beautiful). 

 Marathi equivalent: Duroon dongar saajre Marathi equivalent: Duroon dongar saajre (distant mountains look beautiful).(distant mountains look beautiful). 

 Tamil equivalent: Ikkaraiku Akkarai pachaiTamil equivalent: Ikkaraiku Akkarai pachai 

 Telugu equivalent: Doorapu Kondalu NunupuTelugu equivalent: Doorapu Kondalu Nunupu 

 Malayalam equivalent: Ikkaraiku Akkara pachaMalayalam equivalent: Ikkaraiku Akkara pacha

E

E



 Ek anaar, sau bimaarEk anaar, sau bimaar(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Literal: One pomegranate is all there is, and a hundred men are sick trying to get it.Literal: One pomegranate is all there is, and a hundred men are sick trying to get it. 

 Translation: There is a great demand for Translation: There is a great demand for something in short supply.something in short supply. 

 Elaimayil kalvi, silaiyil ezhuthuElaimayil kalvi, silaiyil ezhuthu(Tamil)(Tamil) 

 Literal: Education in your childhood is like the Literal: Education in your childhood is like the letters in a sculptureletters in a sculpture 

 Translation: What you study during your childhood will never Translation: What you study during your childhood will never be forgottenbe forgotten 

 ettige jwara banthu andre yemmege bare haakidranthe.ettige jwara banthu andre yemmege bare haakidranthe.(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 etthu ErigeLeyitu, kONa nIrigeLeyitu.etthu ErigeLeyitu, kONa nIrigeLeyitu.(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 Literal: The ox pulled to the Literal: The ox pulled to the shore, the buffalo pulled towards the wshore, the buffalo pulled towards the water.ater. 

 Translation: Mismatched company of people Translation: Mismatched company of people could lead to a could lead to a disaster (this is a scenario of disaster (this is a scenario of a cart pulled by ana cart pulled by an

ox and a buffalo which do not co-ordinate well and do what they please leading to a

ox and a buffalo which do not co-ordinate well and do what they please leading to a disaster).disaster).





 Literal: The ox has delivered, Tie up the calf in the pen.Literal: The ox has delivered, Tie up the calf in the pen. 

 Translation: Those who agree to everything without using Translation: Those who agree to everything without using their brains are made fun of their brains are made fun of in this way.in this way.



                 

।।।।।।।।

- Ekotai bal.- Ekotai bal.(Bengali)(Bengali) 

 Literal: Unity is strength.Literal: Unity is strength. 

 Telugu equivalent: Aikhamathyame mahaabalamTelugu equivalent: Aikhamathyame mahaabalam 

 ettu suraikkai kootukku uthavaathuettu suraikkai kootukku uthavaathu(Tamil)(Tamil)

(Literal translation: A picture of a gourd

(Literal translation: A picture of a gourd (the vegetable) is not useful to cook (the vegetable) is not useful to cook with) (Simple Book Knowledge will with) (Simple Book Knowledge will not help innot help in real life situations)

real life situations)



 Ellet ayi gai, aadat dam ke sath.(Hindi/Urdu)Ellet ayi gai, aadat dam ke sath.(Hindi/Urdu) 

 Misfortunes will come and go but habit will depart from ones body along with the soul.Misfortunes will come and go but habit will depart from ones body along with the soul. 

 English equivalent: Habits die hard.English equivalent: Habits die hard.



 don't worry, dont hurry just eat chicken with currydon't worry, dont hurry just eat chicken with curry

G

G



 Gaadhava pudhe vaachli Geeta, Kaalcha gondhal baraa hota.Gaadhava pudhe vaachli Geeta, Kaalcha gondhal baraa hota.

गा

गा वा

गा वा

गा

गा वा

गा

गा वा

गा

गा

गा

गा

गा

गा

गा

गा

गा

वापुपु

वा

वा

वापुपु

वापुपु

वापुपु

वा

वा

वा

वा

वा

वा

पुपु ेे

पुपु े वा

पुपु ेे

पुपु ेे

े वाचली

वाचली गीता 

वाचली गीता 

वाचली गीता 

वाचली गीता 

वाचली गीता 

वाचली गीता 

चली

ली गी

ली गी

गीता

गीता

ता

ता

,,

कालचा गधळ बरा होता 

कालचा गधळ बरा होता 

कालचा गधळ बरा होता 

कालचा गधळ बरा होता 

कालचा गधळ बरा होता 

कालचा गधळ बरा होता 

कालचा गधळ बरा होता 

कालचा गधळ बरा होता 

(Marathi) (Marathi)

भ

भस के

स के आगे

आगे बीन बजाना 

बीन बजाना 

(Hindi) Bhains ke aage been (Hindi) Bhains ke aage been bajana (pretty close in meaning to bajana (pretty close in meaning to the above proverb)the above proverb)



 Literal: After reading the Bhagwad Geeta to Literal: After reading the Bhagwad Geeta to a donkey, yesterday's commotion seems more bearable.a donkey, yesterday's commotion seems more bearable. 

 Translation: It's no use wasting wisdom on a fool who thinks and acts like he is the only Translation: It's no use wasting wisdom on a fool who thinks and acts like he is the only correct person in thecorrect person in the

world (he will yell louder than ever, that his words are wiser, and make more sense) world (he will yell louder than ever, that his words are wiser, and make more sense)



 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                        ,,                        

।।।।।।।।



 ganDa henDira jagaLa unDu malago thanakaganDa henDira jagaLa unDu malago thanaka (Kannada)(Kannada) 

 Literal: The quarrel between a husband and wife lasts till they eat and go to bed.Literal: The quarrel between a husband and wife lasts till they eat and go to bed. 

 Translation: Disagreements between people in Translation: Disagreements between people in love are forgotten easily.love are forgotten easily. 

 gaNEshanannu mADalu hOgi avara appanna mADidantegaNEshanannu mADalu hOgi avara appanna mADidante (Kannada)(Kannada) 

 Literal: It is like trying to make an idol of Ganesh and ending up with his father.Literal: It is like trying to make an idol of Ganesh and ending up with his father. 

 Translation: A warning for the bunglers who Translation: A warning for the bunglers who create more trouble than fixing them.create more trouble than fixing them. 

 Gachhe kanthal , gonfe telGachhe kanthal , gonfe tel                 ,,                

।।।।।।।।

(Bengali)(Bengali) 

 English equivalent: Make castles in air.English equivalent: Make castles in air. 



  

 

 

...(...(





))

Hindi : Hawaai quile banana. Hindi : Hawaai quile banana.



 geddettina bAla hiDida hAgegeddettina bAla hiDida hAge(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 Literal: Holding the tail of the winning Literal: Holding the tail of the winning ox.ox. 

 Translation: Showing affiliation to a winner.Translation: Showing affiliation to a winner. 

 English equivalent: Success has many fathers but failure is an English equivalent: Success has many fathers but failure is an orphan.orphan. 

 Gehoo(n) ke saath ghun bhi pista hai.Gehoo(n) ke saath ghun bhi pista hai.(Hindi)(Hindi) 



 Translation: Watch the company you keep.Translation: Watch the company you keep. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                    ,,                    

।।।।।।।।



 giDavAgi baggaddu maravAgi baggIthe?giDavAgi baggaddu maravAgi baggIthe?(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 Literal: If it does not bend as a sapling, will it when it is a Literal: If it does not bend as a sapling, will it when it is a tree?tree? 





      

   



   

    



? (? (





)) 

 Translation: Those who have trouble following rules as young will get worse when they get older.Translation: Those who have trouble following rules as young will get worse when they get older. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                                ,,                                     

।।।।।।।।



 gubbi mEle bramhAstravE?gubbi mEle bramhAstravE?(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 Literal: Using a Brahmaastra weapon on a Literal: Using a Brahmaastra weapon on a sparrow? (Brahmaastra is the ultimate weapon of destruction withsparrow? (Brahmaastra is the ultimate weapon of destruction with

nothing to counter it except another Brahmaastra). nothing to counter it except another Brahmaastra).



 Translation: Using more force than necessary can have consequences beyond Translation: Using more force than necessary can have consequences beyond proportion.proportion. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                                

।।।।।।।।



 Telugu equivalent: Pichhuka pai BTelugu equivalent: Pichhuka pai Brahmaastramrahmaastram





   

    



....



 Ghar ka Jogi jogna, Aan gaon ka SiddhGhar ka Jogi jogna, Aan gaon ka Siddh(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Literal: A wise man to the rest of the world, but a nobody at Literal: A wise man to the rest of the world, but a nobody at home.home. 

 Translation: We do not value the Translation: We do not value the the things that we already possess.the things that we already possess. 

 English equivalent: A prophet is never acclaimed at home.English equivalent: A prophet is never acclaimed at home. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:))                                        

।।।।।।।।

))                        ,,                  

।।।।।।।।



 Hindi equivalent: Ghar ki murgi daal baraabar (chicken curry Hindi equivalent: Ghar ki murgi daal baraabar (chicken curry made at home is deemed made at home is deemed the same as a the same as a simplesimple

daal curry). daal curry).



 Tamil equivalent: Ikkaraikku Akkarai pachchai (one's own wife seems very Tamil equivalent: Ikkaraikku Akkarai pachchai (one's own wife seems very ordinary).ordinary). 

 Malayalam equivalent: MuttetMalayalam equivalent: Muttethe Mullakku Manamilla (the jasmine shrub in your he Mullakku Manamilla (the jasmine shrub in your front yard has no front yard has no fragrance).fragrance). 

 Ghar ka bhedi lanka dhayey.Ghar ka bhedi lanka dhayey.(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Literal: A person who betrays his own, can bring down Lanka (a very prosperous city in Hindu Literal: A person who betrays his own, can bring down Lanka (a very prosperous city in Hindu mythology)mythology) 

 Translation: Beware of the insider, for he can bring down the biggest setup.Translation: Beware of the insider, for he can bring down the biggest setup. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                        

।।।।।।।।



 Ghaas ke dher may sui khojna.Ghaas ke dher may sui khojna.(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Literal: To search for a needle Literal: To search for a needle in haystack.in haystack. 

 Translation: A very difficult task.Translation: A very difficult task. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                                

।।।।।।।।



 Ghiste ghiste to patthar bhi gol ho jata hai.Ghiste ghiste to patthar bhi gol ho jata hai.(Hindi)(Hindi) 

 Literal: Even a stone gets rounded bLiteral: Even a stone gets rounded by constant rubbing.y constant rubbing. 

 Translation: Hard work pays off.Translation: Hard work pays off. 

 English equivalent: Practice makes perfect.English equivalent: Practice makes perfect. 

 Bengali equivalent:Bengali equivalent:                                        

।।।।।।।।

H

H



 halliddAga kaDle illa; kaDle iddAga hallillahalliddAga kaDle illa; kaDle iddAga hallilla(Kannada)(Kannada) 

 Literal: There are no nuts when one has teeth and there are no teeth when there are nuts.Literal: There are no nuts when one has teeth and there are no teeth when there are nuts. 

 Translation: It is frustrating that one is poor in youth when the ability to enjoy is Translation: It is frustrating that one is poor in youth when the ability to enjoy is abundant but when oneabundant but when one

finally gets rich, the faculties to enjoy are finally gets rich, the faculties to enjoy are gone.gone.



  Daat ahet tithe chane nahit, Chane  Daat ahet tithe chane nahit, Chane ahet thithe daat nahit ahet thithe daat nahit (Marathi)(Marathi) 