ProverbPedia

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചെമ്പിൽ അമ്പഴങ്ങാപുഴുങ്ങിതിന്നിട്ടും ജീവിക്കണം”
— English Translation:
One must survive even if it means subsisting on sour hog-plums boiled in a copper pot. (One must bear the harshest privations and bitterest austerity to endure through life.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചേതം വന്നാലും ചിതംവേണം”
— English Translation:
Even if material loss strikes, let personal decorum and honor be maintained. (Financial setbacks may be unavoidable, but dignity, integrity, and good conduct must never be sacrificed.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചെമ്പു് പുറത്തായിപ്പോയി”
— English Translation:
The base copper underneath has been exposed. (The gilt has worn off; hidden fraud, inferiority, or true colors have been revealed to the world.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചെമ്പെന്നുംചൊല്ലി ഇരുമ്പിനു കാലു (ചോര) കളഞ്ഞു”
— English Translation:
Calling it copper, one ran one's legs off (or bled dry) for mere iron. (Wasting immense labor, sacrifice, or wealth pursuing something believed to be precious that turned out to be worthless dross.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചെമ്മാനം ഉണ്ടായാൽ മഴയുണ്ടാകും”
— English Translation:
A crimson evening sky heralds impending rain. (Clear natural omens and unmistakable signs reliably forecast coming events.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചുമ(വ)രുണ്ടെങ്കിലെ ചിത്രമെഴുതാവു”
— English Translation:
Only if there is a wall can a fresco be painted. (A solid physical foundation, good health, and basic resources are indispensable before pursuing decorative or higher achievements.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചെമ്മാനംകണ്ടാലന്നു മഴപെയ്തില്ലെങ്കിൽ പിന്നക്കൊല്ലം പെയ്തില്ല”
— English Translation:
If it does not rain on the day the crimson sky appears, it will not rain for the rest of the year. (If a clear and certain omen fails to materialize at once, all subsequent timing and expectations are thrown into disarray.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചുളയില്ലാത്ത ചക്കയും കട്ടു, ചമ്പാടൻവഴക്കുമുണ്ടായി”
— English Translation:
Stole a jackfruit that had not a single sweet flake inside, and ended up with a massive public brawl to boot. (Taking immense risks and inviting public ruin for a prize that turns out to be utterly worthless.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചെമ്മീനും ചുരക്കായും കറിവെച്ചിട്ടെനിക്കെന്ത്യെടീ കള്ളീ, ചെമ്മീനും ചുരക്കായും കറിവെച്ചിട്ടൊണ്ടൊടൊ കള്ളാ”
— English Translation:
"Why haven't you served me the prawn and gourd curry, you deceitful woman?" English Translation:
"Did I ever cook a prawn and gourd curry, you deceitful man?" (Picking bitter domestic quarrels over imaginary offenses and non-existent feasts.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചെക്കിപ്പൂവോട ശൈത്താൻചുറഞ്ഞപോലെ”
— English Translation:
Like the devil recoiling in disgust from the sacred ixora blossom. (A corrupt, depraved nature instinctively recoiling from holiness, beauty, and moral purity.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചെറിയതലക്കു വലിയതൊപ്പിവെച്ചപോലെ”
— English Translation:
Like placing a giant hat upon a tiny head. (Conferring an oversized title, honor, or responsibility upon someone lacking the stature to carry it.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചൂട്ടുകണ്ടാ മുയലിനെപോലെ”
— English Translation:
Like a hare blinded by a flaming torch. (Frozen in petrified terror; utterly paralyzed and helpless in the face of sudden discovery or exposure.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചെറിയോൻപറഞ്ഞാൽ ചെവിട്ടിൽപോകാ”
— English Translation:
Words spoken by the lowly never reach the ears of the mighty. (The counsel and grievances of the weak and poor are routinely dismissed by those in power.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചെട്ടിക്കു കള്ളപ്പണംവന്നാൽ കുഴിച്ചുമൂടുകെയുള്ളു”
— English Translation:
If a merchant acquires illicit wealth, he will only bury it in the dirt. (Ill-gotten gains bring paranoia, fear, and secrecy rather than open joy or fruitful investment.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചെറുപ്രായത്തിൽ പഠിച്ചതു മറുരാജ്യത്തിലും തുണക്കും”
— English Translation:
What is learned in early childhood will sustain you even in a foreign land. (Foundational learning and skills acquired in youth remain a lifelong, portable asset.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
ചെട്ടി അടിച്ചും ചേര കടിച്ചും ചത്തവരുണ്ടൊ”
— English Translation:
Has anyone ever died from a trader's slap or a rat snake's bite? (Toothless threats and mild reprimands cause no real harm; paper tigers need not be feared.)