ProverbPedia

“ മെഴുത്തലയൻ വെയിലത്തിറങ്ങരുതു”
English Translation:
A person with a waxen head should not step into the scorching sun. (Those with conspicuous, delicate vulnerabilities should not venture into volatile, harsh arenas where they are bound to melt.)

“ മേടമാസത്തിൽ പുലയൻ ആനക്കും വില ചോദിക്കും”
English Translation:
In the harvest month of Medam, even the field laborer asks the purchase price of an elephant. (When the brief flush of seasonal harvest wages arrives, even the poorest feel momentary abundance and put on grandiose, ambitious airs.)

“ മേലൊട്ടുപോയ മഴുവിനു ഒരു കൊച്ചുവള്ളവും തീർന്നു”
English Translation:
Looking up to gaze at the axe flying into the air cost a whole small canoe. (Gawking at a secondary spectacle or chasing a lost trifle leads to catastrophic distraction that destroys the vessel supporting you.)

“ മൊട്ടത്തലയും കുടുമ്മിയും കൂടെ കൂട്ടിക്കെട്ടുന്നവ�”
English Translation:
One who attempts to knot together a bald pate and a hair-tuft. (Forcing completely incompatible, contradictory, and irreconcilable elements into an absurd, unworkable union.)

“ മൂന്നു പെരറിഞ്ഞതു മൂന്നു ലൊകത്തിലും പ്രസിദ്ധം”
English Translation:
What is known to three people is proclaimed across the three worlds. (A secret known to more than two confidants is no secret at all; it will inevitably leak out to become public knowledge.)

“ മൊട്ടെക്കു കൈനീട്ടുന്നവൻ വിട്ടെക്കും കൈനീട്ടണം”
English Translation:
He who reaches out his hand to seize the egg must also be ready to open his hand to let it drop. (Accepting enterprise requires accepting liability; whoever seeks high rewards must also be prepared to bear risk, sacrifice, and loss.)

“ മൂന്നൊന്നായാൽ മുക്കൊലപെരുവഴിതുണ”
English Translation:
If three stand united as one, they can face the three-pronged highway without fear. (Unity is strength; an aligned, steadfast alliance can brave the most perilous crossroads and uncertain paths safely.)

“ മൊഴിമുട്ടുമ്പോൾ കൊഞ്ഞനം കാട്ടരുത്”
English Translation:
When words fail you, do not make mocking faces. (When defeated in reasoned argument, do not stoop to vulgar gestures and childish defiance to mask your lack of substance.)

“ മൂരിക്കു മുന്നുപാച്ചിൽ”
English Translation:
A young bullock has only three fierce sprints in it. (Untrained bravado and shallow enthusiasm burn out after a few short bursts; lack of enduring stamina and sustained grit.)

“ മോങ്ങാൻ (മുഴങ്ങാൻ) നിൽക്കുന്ന നായിന്റെ തലയിൽ തേങ്ങാ പറിച്ചിട്ടാലൊ(വീണാലൊ)”
English Translation:
What if a plucked coconut drops squarely on the head of a dog already poised to howl? (Giving a convenient, ready-made provocation to someone who was already itching to complain, wail, or stir up a row.)

“ മൂരിയോടു ചോദിച്ചിട്ടു വേണമൊ നുകം വെയ്പ്പാ�”
English Translation:
Must one ask the bullock’s permission before placing the yoke on its neck? (Legitimate authority and practical necessity do not pause to consult subordinates or beasts of burden when assigning duty.)

“ മോർ വിൽക്കുന്ന തായെ ഊരിലെ പാർവത്യമെന്തിനു”
English Translation:
Why does a mother who sells simple buttermilk need the administrative lordship of the village? (Pretentious overreach; assuming grand administrative titles and aristocratic airs that bear no relation to one’s humble trade.)

“ മുക്കിന്മേൽ ഇരുന്നു വായിൽ കാഷ്ടിക്കരുതു”
English Translation:
Perched upon someone’s nose, do not defecate into their mouth. (Never abuse tolerance by heaping insolent, outrageous disrespect upon a host or patron who has already yielded you proximity.)

“ മുലകൊടുത്ത അമ്മയേക്കാൾ വലുതൊ മുത്തം കൊടുത്ത ഭാര്യ”
English Translation:
Is the wife who gave kisses greater than the mother who gave her own milk? (A traditional rebuke against those who abandon lifelong filial devotion for recent infatuations.)

“ മൂക്കില്ലാത്ത നാട്ടിൽ മുറിമൂക്ക൯ മുപ്പ൯ (ചമ്പ൯, രാജാവ്)”
English Translation:
In a land of noseless people, the half-nosed man is the chieftain (or king). (In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king; among utter incompetents, even a flawed person passes for a supreme leader.)

“ മുലക്കണ്ണു കടിക്കുമ്പോൾ കവിൾക്കുമിടിക്കേണം”
English Translation:
If the nursing infant bites the nipple, tap its cheek. (Administer prompt, gentle correction the moment a dependent crosses boundaries and causes harm.)