ProverbPedia

“ ദൂരത്തെ ബന്ധുവെക്കാൾ അരികത്തെ ശത്രുനല്ലു”
English Translation:
An enemy living close at hand is better than a kinsperson living far away. (Physical proximity is vital in crises; distant relatives cannot arrive in time to save you, while nearby adversaries at least provide immediate reality.)

— Malayalam

Related Mantras

“ പശുവിനെ കൊന്നേച്ചു ചെരിപ്പു ദാനംചെയ്തു”
English Translation:
Slaughtered the sacred cow, and then made a pious gift of sandals fashioned from its hide. (Committing a grave, monstrous wrong and attempting to cover it with a petty, hypocritical display of charity.)

“ കണ്ടാൽ കളി കണ്ടില്ലെങ്കിൽ കാര്യം”
English Translation:
A harmless joke if caught in the act, but serious theft if unnoticed. (An opportunist who disguises underhanded crimes as playful pranks whenever caught.)

“ വള ഊരി മാവേലെറിഞ്ഞവ”
English Translation:
Like taking off a gold bangle to fling it at a mango tree. (Risking or destroying a costly, precious asset just to knock down a common, trivial prize.)