ProverbPedia

“Malayalam Proverb:
998, നക്ഷത്ര പരീക്ഷ = ജാതകം നോക്കുക”
— English Translation:
[Linguistic/source gloss: Clarifies that "nakshatra pareeksha" refers to checking astrological charts, referencing proverb #963.]

“Malayalam Proverb:
കിളി പറയുംപോലെ”
— English Translation:
Like a parrot reciting words. (Repeating speech mechanically by rote without the slightest understanding of its true meaning.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കുടിമൂലം കുലംകെടും”
— English Translation:
Through alcoholism (or bitter family strife), the entire lineage is destroyed. (Addiction and domestic vices bring ruin to the wealth, dignity, and future of a family.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കിഴക്കൻവെള്ളം ഇളകിവരുമ്പോൾ ചിറയിടാറുണ്ടൊ”
— English Translation:
Does anyone begin constructing a dike when the eastern floodwaters are already rushing down? (Protective preparations cannot be improvised in the middle of an overwhelming flash flood.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കുടിയറിഞ്ഞേ പെണ്ണയക്കാവൂ”
— English Translation:
Give a maiden in marriage only after knowing the lineage and character of the household. (Thoroughly investigate family background and integrity before entering into a lifelong alliance.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കാലം പോലൊരു ഗുരുവില്ല”
— English Translation:
There is no teacher like time. (Lived experience and time instruct far more deeply than any verbal lesson.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കാശിക്കുപോയാലും കർമ്മംതുലകയില്ല”
— English Translation:
Even if you journey on pilgrimage to Kashi, your karma cannot be shaken off. (No amount of external pilgrimage can erase past deeds or outrun personal destiny.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കാലത്തെ തോണി കടവത്ത് എത്തും”
— English Translation:
The ferry that departs early will reach the landing dock in good time. (Prompt initiative and early preparation guarantee a successful and timely outcome.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കാശിക്കുപോയാലും ദൂശിക്കുകാശൊന്നു”
— English Translation:
Even if you travel all the way to Kashi, a needle still costs a copper coin. (Basic necessities cost money everywhere; travelling to holy lands does not eliminate worldly expenses.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കാലത്തെ തുഴയാഞ്ഞാൽ കടവിൽ ചെന്നടുക്കൂല”
— English Translation:
If you do not row in good time, you will never pull up to the shore. (Procrastination and hesitation guarantee failure in reaching your goals.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കാശില്ലാത്തവൻ കാശിക്കുപോയാലുംഫലമില്ല”
— English Translation:
For a man without money, going to Kashi bears no fruit. (Even spiritual aspirations and sacred journeys require worldly means and resources to accomplish.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കാലത്തൊരു മടിമടിച്ചാൽ അന്തിക്കൊരു പശിപശിക്കും”
— English Translation:
Sloth in the morning brings hunger by dusk. (Idleness in the prime of life or work hours yields poverty and distress in the end.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കാശുചെന്നാൽ കറിനന്ന്”
— English Translation:
Spend the coins freely, and the curry turns out rich and flavorful. (You get what you pay for; quality results require adequate investment.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കാലാച്ചിയോടു കടം കൊണ്ടാൽ കാലായിൽവെച്ചും തടുക്കും”
— English Translation:
Borrow from an unyielding Kalachi woman, and she will confront you right in the middle of the threshing floor. (Borrowing from a relentless, fierce creditor guarantees public humiliation anywhere, anytime.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കിടക്കുന്നതു കാവൽചാള(കുപ്പയിൽ); സ്വപ്നം കാണുന്നതുമച്ചും മാളികയും”
— English Translation:
Sleeping in a watchman’s shack (or on a rubbish heap), but dreaming of attics and grand mansions. (Daydreaming of high luxury while living in squalor; building castles in the air.)

“Malayalam Proverb:
കാലവലോകനം കാര്യസാദ്ധ്യം നൃണാം”
— English Translation:
Observing the proper time accomplishes all goals for mankind. (Success in human enterprise hinges on understanding and seizing the right timing.)