ProverbPedia

“ പോക്കറ്റാൽ പുലി പുല്ലുംതിന്നും”
English Translation:
When pushed to absolute extremity, even a tiger will graze on grass. (Dire desperation forces even the proudest and mightiest to compromise and do what was once unthinkable.)

— Malayalam

Related Mantras

“ മുത്തി വളർത്തിയ കുട്ടിയും മുക്കോകുടിയിലെ നായും ഒരുപോലെ”
English Translation:
A child raised by an overly indulgent grandmother is like a dog reared in an undisciplined tavern. (Excessive pampering and a lack of stern discipline spoil character, breeding unruly and rude behavior.)

“ ആളുണ്ടായാലെന്തുഫലം, ആണുണ്ടായാൽ ഉണ്ട് ഫലം”
English Translation:
What is the point of a crowd of heads? Real benefit comes only when there is a person of true mettle. (Sheer headcount is useless without competence and moral backbone.)

“ ആയെങ്കിൽ ഒരു തോക്ക്; പോയെങ്കിൽ ഒരു വാക്ക്”
English Translation:
If it works, you win a musket; if it fails, it was just a passing word. (Taking a bold gamble where the upside is huge and the downside is merely a shrug.)