ProverbPedia

“ ഇരിപ്പിടം പണിതിട്ടു പടിപ്പുര”
English Translation:
The living quarters first, the entrance portal later. (Substance must always precede ornament; functional security comes before external grandeur.)

— Malayalam

Related Mantras

“ ആനയെ തളച്ചാൽ മരത്തിനാണു് കേടു”
English Translation:
If you tether a mighty elephant, it is the tree that suffers the strain. (Subjecting an ordinary institution or frail individual to an overwhelming force destroys the host.)

“ പല്ലുണ്ടെങ്കിൽ പേക്കനും കടിക്കും”
English Translation:
As long as it has teeth, even a puny stray pup will bite. (Never underestimate the weak or foolish; anyone armed with the means can inflict pain if provoked.)

“ നായിപത്തുപെറ്റിട്ടുംഫലമില്ല, പശു ഒന്നുപോറ്റാലുംമതി”
English Translation:
No good comes from a dog whelping ten pups, while rearing a single calf is a lasting blessing. (Quality far outweighs quantity; a single noble, productive asset is worth far more than a multitude of worthless ones.)