ProverbPedia

“Malayalam Proverb:
കമ്പത്തിൽ കയറി ആയിരം വിദ്യ കാട്ടിയാലും സമ്മാനം വാങ്ങുവാൻ താഴെ ഇറങ്ങണം (താഴെവന്നെ സമ്മാനമുള്ളു)”
— English Translation:
Even if you climb a high pole and display a thousand acrobatics, you must descend to solid ground to collect your prize. (No matter how high you soar or boast, ultimate validation and sustenance depend on returning to humble reality.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കമ്പിളിക്കുണ്ടൊ കറ”
— English Translation:
Does a stain ever show on a coarse black blanket? (Those of thick skin, base standing, or already tarnished reputation are indifferent to stains on honor.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കയറെത്താത്തതുകൊണ്ടു കിണറുനികത്തണമൊ”
— English Translation:
Should you fill in the well with earth just because your rope falls short of the water? (Never abandon or destroy a valuable resource simply because your current tools are inadequate.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കയിലിനുതക്ക കണ”
— English Translation:
A ladle proportioned to the bowl (or an arrow suited to the bow). (Means, tools, and remedies must match the scale of the task.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കതിരേൽകൊണ്ടു വളം വെച്ച പോലെ”
— English Translation:
Like applying manure directly onto the ripened ears of grain rather than at the root. (Applying resources, training, or remedies ridiculously late and at the completely wrong place.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കയം കണ്ട പോത്ത്”
— English Translation:
Like a water buffalo catching sight of a deep pool. (Rushing uncontrollably toward one's favorite indulgence; completely unstoppable once tempted.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കത്തിവാളൊടു ചോദിച്ചിട്ടൊ കാടുവയ്ക്കുക”
— English Translation:
Does one ask permission from the pruning billhook before setting out to clear the jungle? (An authority does not seek consent from the instruments or subordinates employed to execute a command.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കയ്യന്റെകയ്യിൽ കത്തി ഇരുന്നാൽ കടവഴിക്കുറ്റിക്കുനാശം”
— English Translation:
If a reckless rogue gets hold of a knife, the roadside trail-marker is doomed. (Placing sharp tools or power into irresponsible hands results in senseless vandalism of public goods.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കത്തുന്നതീയിൽ നെയി പകരുമ്പോലെ”
— English Translation:
Like pouring clarified butter into a blazing fire. (Adding fuel to the flames; aggravating an already furious dispute into uncontrolled rage.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കയ്യാലപുറത്തെ തേങ്ങാപോലെ”
— English Translation:
Like a coconut balanced on top of a mud wall. (Perched in precarious uncertainty, liable to tumble to either side at any moment; sitting on the fence.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കന്നിക്കോഴി കയ്യിൽ”
— English Translation:
A pristine pullet held in hand. (Possessing a fresh, untouched asset or valuable resource ready to yield its initial advantage.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കയ്യാടി എങ്കിലെ വായാടു”
— English Translation:
Only if the hands move will the jaws move. (Only continuous labor earns daily food; he who will not work shall not eat.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കണക്കു പറഞ്ഞാൽ കഞ്ഞിക്കു പറ്റില്ല”
— English Translation:
If you insist on rigid accounting, you will not have enough to brew simple porridge. (Hyper-exacting calculation destroys the spirit of hospitality and mutual goodwill.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കണ്ടിമുഖത്തു മീൻ അടുത്തപോലെ”
— English Translation:
Like fish crowding into the narrow breach of the dike. (Flocking blindly into a bottleneck or trap where capture is effortless and certain.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കണക്കു വിട്ടാൽ പിണക്കു വരും”
— English Translation:
Abandon proper accounts, and bitter quarrels will surely follow. (Clear accounts preserve friendships; financial ambiguity breeds distrust and conflict.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കണ്ടിയിരിക്കെ മതിൽ തുള്ളരുതു”
— English Translation:
When an open gate exists, do not leap over the high perimeter wall. (Do not take unnecessary, hazardous shortcuts when an open, legitimate route lies right before you.)