ProverbPedia

“Malayalam Proverb:
തള്ള വഴി പിള്ള, താണവഴി വെള്ളം”
— English Translation:
The child follows the mother's path, just as water flows down the lowest slope. (Children naturally emulate the habits and character of their parents along the path of least resistance.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തവള തുടിച്ചാൽ വെള്ളം പൊങ്ങുമോ”
— English Translation:
Will the water level rise just because a frog thrashes about? (The frantic agitation or self-importance of an insignificant weakling has zero impact on the larger world.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തള്ളയ്ക്കുചുടുമ്പോൾ കുട്ടിയെ ഇട്ടു ചവിട്ടും (അച്ചിക്കുപൊള്ളുന്നേരം കുട്ടിയെപിടിച്ചു ചന്തിക്കു വയ്ക്കും)”
— English Translation:
When the embers scorch the mother's feet, she steps upon her child (when the mistress burns, she places the child beneath her seat). (In moments of extreme, agonizing desperation, raw survival instinct can override natural affection, turning dependents into shields.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തല്ലുകൊള്ളുവാൻ ചെണ്ട, പണം വാങ്ങുവാൻ മാരാർ”
— English Translation:
The drum takes all the blows, while the drummer collects all the money. (The working laborer absorbs all the bruising toil, while the master pockets all the profit and praise.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തള്ളേ നോക്കി പിള്ളേ വാങ്ങണം”
— English Translation:
Examine the mother before taking the daughter in marriage (or buying the calf). (Judge the future character, temperament, and health of offspring by observing the parent.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തല്ലുന്ന കയ്യേ തഴുകത്തുള്ളൂ”
— English Translation:
Only the hand that strikes in discipline will stroke in true affection. (Genuine love and constructive correction come from the same caring authority; firm boundaries and true tenderness go together.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
താങ്ങോർ ഉണ്ടെങ്കിൽ തളർച്ചയുമുണ്ട്”
— English Translation:
Where there are props to lean on, there is also weakness and fatigue. (Over-reliance on external cushions and crutches fosters physical and moral frailty.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തരമെന്നുവെച്ചു വെളുക്കുവോളം കക്കാറുണ്ടോ”
— English Translation:
Just because an opportunity presents itself, does one go on stealing until daybreak? (Do not exploit good fortune or tolerance to reckless extremes; know when to stop.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തരമറിഞ്ഞു ചങ്ങാത്തമേറണം”
— English Translation:
Form friendships only after understanding the true caliber and nature of the person. (Assess character, temper, and integrity thoroughly before entering into close companionship or alliances.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തരംവന്നാൽ നെല്ലുകിട്ടും, കരംവന്നാൽ അവർകെട്ടും”
— English Translation:
When the season arrives you harvest paddy; when tax collectors arrive, they bind you in chains. (Profits arrive in their due season, but liabilities and dues follow just as relentlessly.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തല മയങ്ങിയാൽ സർവ്വവും മയങ്ങി”
— English Translation:
If the head reels with dizziness, the entire body faints. (When leadership or the central intellect falters, the whole organization or system collapses.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തലമുടിയുണ്ടെങ്കിൽ ചായിച്ചും ചരിച്ചും കെട്ടാം”
— English Translation:
If you have abundant hair, you can braid and style it leaning this way or that. (Those endowed with ample wealth, talent, or resources have the freedom to manage affairs however they please.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തല മറന്നു എണ്ണ തേക്കരുതു”
— English Translation:
Do not apply oil while forgetting the head itself. (Never lose sight of your fundamental station or core priorities while indulging in superficial vanity.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തലയിണ മാറിയാൽ തലക്കേടു പൊറുക്കുമൊ”
— English Translation:
Will swapping the pillow cure an aching head? (Altering external accessories or superficial surroundings will never resolve an internal problem.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തലമുടിയുള്ളവർക്കു രണ്ടുപുറവും തിരിച്ചുകെട്ടാം”
— English Translation:
Those blessed with long hair can part and knot it to either side. (Those with abundant means and alternatives can easily adapt and afford diverse choices.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
തലയില്ലാത്തവനു തൊപ്പി എന്തിനു”
— English Translation:
Why does a person without a head need a cap? (Ornaments, honors, and advice are completely wasted on someone who lacks the essential capacity or intellect to use them.)