Proverb
A proverb is a simple, concrete, traditional saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. They are short statements of wisdom or advice that are transmitted from generation to generation and have passed into general use. Proverbs can be found in every language or culture.
We may sometimes not understand a big lecture but we understand a small proverb very easily because the truth they speak can span the globe. Proverbs are the most powerful way to speak impressively. In other words, the use of proverbs kills two birds with one stone!
This post is about 20 most common Hindi Muhavre / proverbs in English. You will learn to use them in English speaking to give a greater potency to what is being conveyed.
20 Proverbs
1.Tit for tat – जैसे को तैसा
Meaning: actions done intentionally to punish other people because they have done something unpleasant to you.
2. An idle mind is a devil’s workshop – खाली दिमाग शैतान का
Meaning: Any person who has nothing to do will be tempted to do many unproductive and mischievous acts.
3.As you sow so shall you reap- जैसा बोओगे वैसा काटोगे
Meaning: Man is responsible for the effect of his actions. If the action is based on goodness, it will churn out only goodness in the long run. If the action has been evil, the outcome also tends to be evil.
4. A rolling stone gathers no moss- धोबी का कुत्ता न घर का न घाट का
Meaning: People who are always moving, with no roots in one place or another, avoid responsibilities and cares.
5.Let bygones be bygones- जो बीत गई सो बात गई
Meaning: Let bygones be bygones used to tell someone that they should forget about unpleasant things that happened in the past, and especially to forgive and forget something bad that someone has done to them.
6. A burnt child dreads the Fire- दूध का जला छाछ भी फूंक फूंक कर पीता है
Meaning: Someone who has experienced some kind of negative situation or consequence will try to avoid making the same mistake or experiencing the same situation again.
7. A Drop in the ocean- ऊंट के मुंह में जीरा
Meaning: A very small amount compared with what is needed or expected.
8. Might is right- जिसकी लाठी उसकी भैंस
Meaning: Those who are powerful can do what they wish unchallenged, even if their action is in fact unjustified.
9. An empty vessel sounds much- थोथा चना बाजे घना
Meaning: People with least wisdom or knowledge are always the most talkative.
10. Birds of same feather flock together- चोर चोर मौसेरे भाई
Meaning: Birds of a feather flock together means people of similar interests, background, ideas or characteristics will often congregate or hang out with each other, people who have similar ideas or values tend to stick together.
11. It takes two to make a quarrel- एक हाथ से ताली नहीं बजती
Meaning: It takes two or more people to cause a quarrel; one cannot blame an argument entirely on the other side or only one person cannot be responsible for the whole matter.
12. Barking dogs seldom bite- जो गरजते हैं वो बरसते नहीं
Meaning: Don’t be afraid of dogs that bark or people that threaten you (say they will do something bad to you) – in both cases they rarely take action or People who appear threatening rarely do any harm.
13. Avarice is root to all evils – लालच बुरी बला है
Avarice is extremely strong desire for money and possessions . Meaning: The love of money is the root of all evil .
14. As the king so are the subjects – जैसा राजा वैसी प्रजा
Meaning: The quality of the people in a family or a team depends a lot the quality head of the family/ captain of the team.
15. All is well that ends well – अंत भला तो सब भला
Meaning: A situation that did not start in a good way has ended in a way that is satisfactory or pleasing. It was a difficult time, but all’s well that ends well.
16. Grass on the other side always looks greener- दूर के ढोल सुहावने
Meaning: The things other people have or their situations always look better than your own, even when they are not really so.
17. A bad workman blames his tools – नाच ना आवे आंगन टेढ़ा
Meaning: When someone blames a mistake or failure on the things that they use to work.
18. When in Rome do as Romans do – जैसा देश वैसा भेष
Meaning: When you are visiting another place, or the place where you are at present, you should follow the customs of that place.
19.The pot is calling the kettle black –
उल्टा चोर कोतवाल को डांटे
Meaning: People should not criticize someone else for a fault that they have themselves.
20. Rome was not built in a day- हथेली पर सरसों जमाना
Meaning: It takes a long time to do a job or task properly, and you should not rush it or expect to do it quickly.
Example: You have just started your business. Don’t expect your success overnight as Rome was not built in a day.
These were 20 Proverbs in English to Hindi with their meaning. I hope you will understand them well to use in your day to day conversation. Proverbs can be used to convey your views powerfully in short.
Very useful…good