Hindi is a rich and colorful language, so it should come as no surprise that proverbs are a huge part of daily life in India. Learning proverbs in Hindi is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of Indian culture while expanding your vocabulary at the same time!
In our lesson today, we’ll introduce you to the most widely used Hindi proverbs and their meanings. We intend for this to be a useful Hindi learning tool for intermediate learners as well as beginners, so our list of proverbs in Hindi will cover only the sayings you’re most likely to hear while in India.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. How Relevant Are Hindi Proverbs?
To Indians, Hindi proverbs are more than a bunch of literary phrases or clever sayings. We’ve been hearing these words of wisdom from our grandparents and parents since childhood. It would be no exaggeration to say that using and hearing these proverbs takes us back to our childhood—and who doesn’t love that?
As a Hindi learner, being able to use Hindi proverbs correctly will give you an edge and help you stand out from the crowd. Our Hindi proverbs list will give you the information and tips you need to sound smart, grasp the context of each proverb quickly, and contribute to any conversation that comes your way.
- → If you’re looking to add even more flair to your Hindi conversations, then make sure to check out our vocabulary list of the Essential Idioms That Will Make You Sound Like a Native Speaker.
→ And if you’re a beginner, you may find it useful to study our Hindi Pronunciation Guide before continuing.
2. Hindi Proverbs List
Below you’ll find thirty of the most common Hindi proverbs covering a range of topics. For your convenience, we’ve also included their literal translations, their meanings, and how to use them in the right context.
#1 जब जागो तब सवेरा (jab jaago Tab Saveraa)
Literal Translation: “Whenever you wake up, that’s your morning.”
Similar English Proverb: “Better late than never.”
Usage in Context: It’s never too late to realize your mistake. Imagine a person who’s careless and insensitive to his/her spouse. Their marriage is about to break. But before it gets to that point, the person realizes their mistake, changes their behavior, and saves the marriage.
Example Sentence:
हेमा ने अपनी ग़लती समझकर अपनी शादी बचा ली। ये तो वही बात हुई, जब जागो तब सवेरा।
(hemaa Ne apaNii gaLaTii Samajhakar apaNii saaDii bacaa Lii. ye To vahii baaT huii, jab jaago Tab Saveraa.)
“Hema realized her mistake and saved her marriage from falling apart. This is what we call, ‘better late than never’.”
Better late than never!
#2 अधजल गगरी छलकत जाये (aDHajaL gagarii chaLakaT jaaye)
Literal Translation: “A half-filled container spills more water.”
Similar English Proverb: “An empty vessel makes the most noise.”
Usage in Context: Imagine you’re an expert at painting while your friend is just a beginner. But when sitting around with others, he boasts a lot about painting as if he knows everything.
Example Sentence:
सुनील पेंटिंग के बारे में ऐसे बात करता है जैसे उसे सब कुछ पता हो। अधजल गगरी छलकत जाये।
(SuNiiL peNting ke baare men aiSe baaT karaTaa hai jaiSe uSe Sab kuch paTaa ho. aDHajaL gagarii chaLakaT jaaye.)
“Sunil is just a beginner but he talks about painting as if he knows everything. It’s true, ‘an empty vessel makes the most noise’.”
#3 नाच न जाने आँगन टेढ़ा (Naac Na jaaNe aangaN tedhaa)
Literal Translation: “Not knowing how to dance but calling the courtyard crooked.”
Similar English Proverb: “A bad workman blames his tools.”
Usage in Context: A friend of yours doesn’t know how to cook, but instead of admitting so, he always gives one excuse or another for his bad cooking.
Example Sentence:
पुनीत को खाना बनाना नहीं आता और वह हर बार कुछ गड़बड़ कर देता है। लेकिन अपनी ग़लती मानने की बजाय वो बर्तनों में नुक्स निकालता है। सच ही है, नाच न जाने आँगन टेढ़ा।
(puNiiT ko khaaNaa baNaaNaa Nahiin aaTaa aur vah har baar kuch gadabad kar DeTaa hai. LekiN apaNii gaLaTii maaNaNe kii bajaaye vo barTaNon men NukS NikaaLTaa hai. Sac hii hai, Naac Na jaaNe aangaN tedhaa.)
“Punit doesn’t know how to cook and he ruins the food all the time. But he will never admit it and always blames the cooking pots. He reminds us of the proverb, ‘a bad workman blames his tools’.”
#4 उल्टा चोर कोतवाल को डांटे (uLataa cor koTavaaL ko daante)
Literal Translation: “When caught, the thief scolds the policeman.”
Similar English Proverb: “Pot calling the kettle black.”
Usage in Context: Suppose you’re buying some items from the grocery store. The shopkeeper tries to cheat you and doesn’t give you the due change—when you point it out, he begins to argue with you.
Example Sentence:
Customer: आपने मुझे पैसे वापस नहीं दिए। (aapaNe mujhe paiSe vaapaS Nahiin Diye.)
“You didn’t return me the balance.”
Shopkeeper: मैंने तो वापस दिए थे। आप झूठ मत बोलिये। (maiNe To vaapaS Diye THe. aap jhuuth maT boLiye.)
“I did. You are lying.”
Customer: अच्छा! उल्टा चोर कोतवाल को डांटे! (acchaa! uLataa cor koTavaaL ko daante!)
“Oh! So, the pot’s calling the kettle black!”
#5 जान है तो जहान है (jaaN hai to jahaaN hai)
Literal Translation: “If there is life, then there is the world.”
Similar English Proverb: “Health is wealth.”
Usage in Context: Some people overwork themselves and ignore their health in the process. They forget the value of a healthy body and peaceful mind.
Example Sentence:
A: फ़रहा ने चार महीनों से एक भी छुट्टी नहीं ली है। इस वजह से वो कमज़ोर होती जा रही है।
(farahaa Ne caar mahiiNon Se ek bhii chuttii Nahiin Lii hai. iS vajah Se vo kamazor hoTii jaa rahii hai.)
“Farah has not taken any leave in four months. That’s why she is getting weaker.”
B: हाँ, उसे कुछ दिन घर पर रहकर आराम करना चाहिए। आख़िर, जान है तो जहान है।
(haan, uSe kuch DiN ghar par rahakar aaraam karaNaa caahiye. aakhir, jaaN hai To jahaaN hai.)
“Yes, she should stay at home and take rest for a few days. After all, health is wealth.”
Health is Wealth!
#6 जिस की लाठी उसकी भैंस (jiSakii Laathii uSakii bhainS)
Literal Translation: “The buffalo belongs to the person who holds a stick.”
Similar English Proverb: “Might is right.”
Usage in Context: In modern times, virtues like honesty and loyalty hardly seem to matter. Oftentimes, the wrong people get their way by using their power and money.
Example Sentence:
A: बेईमान नेता ने उस ईमानदार अधिकारी का तबादला करवा दिया। (beiimaaN NeTaa Ne uS iimaaNaDaar aDHikaarii ka TabaaDaLaa karavaa Diyaa.)
“The corrupt minister got the honest officer transferred.”
B: हाँ, जिसकी लाठी उसकी भैंस। (haan, jiSakii Laathii uSakii bhainS)
“Yeah, might is right.”
#7 अब पछताए होत क्या जब चिड़िया चुग गई खेत (ab pachaTaaye hoT kyaa jab cidiyaa cug gayii kheT)
Literal Translation: “There’s no use repenting when the birds have already damaged the crops in the field.”
Similar English Proverb: “There’s no use crying over spilled milk.”
Usage in Context: You might use this proverb after someone neglects to finish their work and ends up regretting it.
Example Sentence:
A: करन उदास था। वह भर्ती परीक्षा नहीं दे पायेगा क्योंकि उसने फ़ॉर्म समय पर नहीं जमा किया था।
(karaN uDaaS THaa. vah bharTii pariiksaa Nahiin De paayegaa kyonki uSaNe form Samay par Nahiin jamaa kiyaa THaa.)
“Karan was sad as he will miss the entrance exam because he didn’t submit the form on time.”
B: अब क्या हो सकता है! अब पछताए होत क्या जब चिड़िया चुग गयी खेत।
(ab kyaa ho SakaTaa hai! ab pachaTaaye hoT kyaa jab cidiyaa cug gayii kheT.)
“What can be done now! There’s no use crying over spilled milk.”
Do you have regrets in life?
#8 दूध का जला छाछ भी फूंक कर पीता है (DuuDH kaa jaLaa chaach bhii phuunk kar piiTaa hai)
Literal Translation: “The person who’s burned from milk is scared of buttermilk too.”
Similar English Proverb: “Once bitten twice shy.”
Usage in Context: A person who almost drowned once while trying to get on a boat will always be scared of doing so in the future.
Example Sentence:
A: चलो, नाव पर चलें। (caLo, Naav par caLen)
“Come on, let’s go boating.”
B: नहीं, एक बार मैं नदी में डूबते-डूबते बचा था। मुझे डर लगता है। (Nahiin, ek baar main NaDii men duubaTe-duubaTe bacaa THaa. mujhe dar LagaTaa hai.)
“No, once I was about to drown in a river. I am scared of boating.”
A: ओह! सच है कि दूध का जला छाछ भी फूंक कर पीता है। (oh! Sac hai ki DuuDH kaa jaLaa chaach bhii phuunk kar piiTaa hai.)
“Oh! It’s true. Once bitten twice shy.”
#9 चोर-चोर मौसेरे भाई (cor-cor mauSere bhaaii)
Literal Translation: “Two thieves are just like cousins.”
Similar English Proverb: “Birds of a feather flock together.”
Usage in Context: This proverb might be used when two mischievous people bond and support each other like nobody else.
Example Sentence:
सभी बेईमान नेता हर घोटाले में एक दूसरे की मदद करते हैं। चोर-चोर मौसेरे भाई।
(Sabhii beiimaaN NeTaa har ghotaaLe men ek DuuSare kii maDaD karaTe hain. cor-cor mauSere bhaaii.)
“All the corrupt ministers support each other in every scam. Birds of a feather flock together.”
#10 जैसी करनी वैसी भरनी (jaiSii karaNii vaiSii bharaNii)
Literal Translation: “What you receive is the consequence of your actions.”
Similar English Proverb: “As you sow, so you shall reap.”
Usage in Context: When someone does something bad to another person, karma finds its way back.
Example Sentence:
A: सोहन ने रेस जीतने के लिए कमल को धक्का दे दिया। लेकिन जज ने उसे ही रेस से बाहर कर दिया।
(SohaN Ne reS jiiTaNe ke Liye kamaL ko Dhakkaa De Diyaa. LekiN jaj Ne uSe hii reS Se baahar kar Diyaa.)
“Sohan pushed Kamal to win the race. But the judge saw and put him out of the race.”
B: बहुत अच्छा हुआ। जैसी करनी वैसी भरनी।
(bahuT acchaa huaa. jaiSii karaNii vaiSii bharaNii.)
“Good. As you sow, so you shall reap.”
#11 ऊँट के मुंह में जीरा (uunt ke munh men jiiraa)
Literal Translation: “A pinch of cumin seeds in the camel’s mouth.”
Similar English Proverb: “A drop in the bucket.”
Usage in Context: This one depicts a situation where a person gets way less than he/she needs.
Example Sentence:
भारत में किसानों को बाज़ार से जो पैसा मिलता है वह ऊंट के मुंह में जीरे के बराबर है।
(bhaaraT men kiSaaNon ko baazaar Se jo paiSaa miLaTaa hai vah uunt ke munh men jiire ke baraabar hai)
“In India, the profit farmers get from the market is like a drop in the bucket.”
#12 अंत भला तो सब भला (aNT bhaLaa To Sab bhaLaa)
Literal Translation: “If it’s a happy ending, then everything was worth it.”
Similar English Proverb: “All’s well that ends well.”
Usage in Context: You could use this proverb after enduring several hurdles to find that everything ended just like you wanted it to.
Example Sentence:
पूरी फ़िल्म में हीरो हर क़दम पर मात खाता रहा। लेकिन बाद में उसने अपनी मंज़िल पा ली। इसे कहते हैं अंत भला तो सब भला।
(puurii fiLm men hiiro har kaDam par maaT khaaTaa rahaa. LekiN baaD men uSaNe apaNii maNziL paa Lii. iSe kahaTe hain anT bhaLaa To Sab bhaLaa.)
“During the whole movie, the hero kept failing at every stage. But then, he achieved his goal. This is called ‘all’s well that ends well’.”
All’s well that ends well.
#13 दूर के ढोल सुहावने लगते हैं (Duur ke dhoL SuhaavaNe LagaTe hain)
Literal Translation: “Distant drums sound pleasant.”
Similar English Proverb: “The grass is always greener on the other side.”
Usage in Context: We always end up thinking that other people have better lives or better things than we do, which is not always true. It’s just that we’re not fully aware of the reality.
Example Sentence:
लोग विदेश जाने के लिए पागल हैं लेकिन वो ये नहीं समझते कि वहां की अपनी अलग दिक्कतें हैं। असल में, दूर के ढोल सुहावने लगते हैं।
(Log viDes jaaNe ke Liye paagaL hain LekiN vo ye Nahiin SamajhaTe ki vahaan kii apaNii aLag DikkaTen hain. aSaL men, Duur ke dhoL SuhaaavaNe LagaTe hain.)
“People are crazy about moving to other countries. However, they don’t realize that there will be other kinds of problems. Actually, distant drums sound pleasant.”
#14 आगे कुंआ पीछे खाई (aage kunaan piiche khaaii)
Literal Translation: “A well in front and a ditch behind.”
Similar English Proverb: “Between the devil and the deep blue sea.”
Usage in Context: You might use this saying to describe a situation where you’re surrounded by troubles from all sides and feel stuck in life.
Example Sentence:
नोटबंदी में पुराने नोट बंद हो गए और एटीएम में पैसे नहीं। यानी आगे कुआँ पीछे खाई।
(NotabanDii men puraaNe Not banD ho gaye aur e-tii-em men paiSe Nahiin. yaaNii aage kunaan piiche khaaii.)
“During demonetization, the old notes were scrapped and there was no money in the ATM machines. It was like being stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea.”
#15 डूबते को तिनके का सहारा (DuubaTe ko TiNake kaa Sahaaraa)
Literal Translation: “To a drowning person, even a grain could be a great help.”
Similar English Proverb: “Drowning man catches at a straw.”
Usage in Context: When going through a really tough time, even the smallest bit of help can mean a lot.
Example Sentence:
जब सुमन का बिज़नेस ठप हो गया था, तो उसके दोस्तों ने पैसे जुटाकर उसकी मदद की। मुसीबत के समय में डूबते को तिनके का सहारा भी काफ़ी होता है।
(jab SumaN kaa bizaNeS thap ho gayaa THaa, To uSake DoSTon Ne paiSe jutaakar uSakii maDaD kii. muSiibaT ke Samay men DuubaTe ko TiNake kaa Sahaaraa bhii kaafii hoTaa hai.)
“When Suman’s business was in a huge loss, her friends pooled some money to help her out. And Suman was like a drowning man who catches at a straw.”
#16 बन्दर क्या जाने अदरक का स्वाद (baNDar kyaa jaaNe aDarak kaa svaaD)
Literal Translation: “How would a monkey know the taste of ginger!”
Similar English Proverb: “Casting pearls before swine.”
Usage in Context: You may give a person the most useful thing in the world, but it won’t impress them if they don’t know its value.
Example Sentence:
हर कोई अच्छी क़िताबों का महत्व नहीं समझता। सच है, बन्दर क्या जाने अदरक का स्वाद।
(har koii acchii kiTaabon kaa mahaTva Nahiin SamajhaTaa. Sac hai, baNDar kyaa jaaNe aDarak kaa SvaaD.)
“Not everyone understands the value of good books. It’s like casting pearls before swine.”
#17 सौ सुनार की, एक लोहार की (Sau SuNaar kii, ek Lohaar kii)
Literal Translation: “Hundred blows of a goldsmith, single blow of a blacksmith.”
Similar English Proverb: “A single blow of a blacksmith is equal to a hundred blows of a goldsmith.”
Usage in Context: Some people may bother you or keep complaining about every little thing, but you can shut them up at once by drawing a bigger line.
Example Sentence:
नेता रोज़ झूठे वादे करता था। जनता ने उसके ख़िलाफ़ वोट देकर एक ही बार में उसे हरा दिया। इसे कहते हैं, सौ सुनार की एक लोहार की।
(NeTaa roz jhuuthe vaaDe karaTaa THaa. jaNTaa Ne uSake khiLaaf vot Dekar ek hii baar men uSe haraa Diyaa. iSe kahaTe hain, Sau SuNaar kii, ek Lohaar kii.)
“The minister would always over-promise things. The public voted against him and kicked him out at once. This is called ‘a single blow of a blacksmith is equal to a hundred blows of a goldsmith’.”
#18 नेकी कर दरिया में डाल (Nekii kar Dariyaa men daaL)
Literal Translation: “Help others and drop the thought in the river.”
Similar English Proverb: “Do good and cast into the river.”
Usage in Context: Kindness loses its value when the doer tries to flaunt it. True compassion is always a secret.
Example Sentence:
भले लोग छुप कर ग़रीबों की मदद करते हैं। वो नेकी कर दरिया में डाल देते हैं।
(BHaLe Log chup kar gariibon kii maDaD karaTe hain. Vo Nekii kar Dariyaa men daaL DeTe hain.)
“Kind-hearted people help the poor in secret. They do good and cast into the river.”
Help someone and forget about it.
#19 घर का भेदी लंका ढाये (ghar kaa BHeDii Lankaa dhaaye)
Literal Translation: “The person knowing the secrets of the house can cause the fall of Lanka.”
Similar English Proverb: “A small leak will sink a great ship.”
Usage in Context: One inside person can reveal all the secrets and cause irreparable damage.
Example Sentence:
मधुर ने अपनी कंपनी के सारे प्लान दूसरी कंपनी को बता दिए और प्रॉजेक्ट दूसरों को मिल गया। सच ही है, घर का भेदी लंका ढाये।
(maDHur Ne apaNii kampaNii ke Saare pLaaN DuuSarii kampaNii ko baTaa Diye aur projekt DuuSaron ko miL gayaa.)
“Madhur revealed all the plans of his company to others and someone else got the project. It’s true that a small leak will sink a great ship.”
#20 बोये पेड़ बबूल का तो आम कहाँ से पाए (boye ped babuuL kaa To aam kahaan Se paaye)
Literal Translation: “If you have sown the seeds of acacia, how would you get mangoes from it?”
Similar English Proverb: “You will reap what you sow.”
Usage in Context: When we do something wrong, we sometimes fail to think of its consequences. But life gives us exactly what we deserve.
Example Sentence:
जतिन ने कभी अपने बेटे से प्यार नहीं किया और अब उसका बेटा उससे बात तक नहीं करता। वही बात है कि बोये पेड़ बबूल का तो आम कहाँ से पाए।
(jaTiN Ne kabhii apaNe bete Se pyaar Nahiin kiyaa aur ab uSakaa betaa uSaSe baaT Tak Nahiin karaTaa. Vahii baaT hai ki boye ped babuuL kaa To aam kahaan Se paaye.)
“Jatin never loved his son and now his son doesn’t even talk to Jatin. They say, you will reap what you sow.”
#21 मुंह में राम, बगल में छुरी (munh men raam, bagaL men churii)
Literal Translation: “Name of Lord Rama on the tongue and hiding a knife in the side.”
Similar English Proverb: “A honey tongue, a heart of gall.”
Usage in Context: Many people lack authentic behavior. They may say all the sweet things to your face but badmouth behind your back.
Example Sentence:
बबिता सामने तो बहुत अच्छे से बात करती है लेकिन पीठ पीछे काजल की बुराई करती है। इसे कहते हैं मुंह में राम, बगल में छुरी।
(babiTaa SaamaNe To bahuT acche Se baaT karaTii hai LekiN piith piiche kaajaL kii buraaii karaTii hai. iSe kahaTe hain munh men raam, bagaL men churii.)
“Babita talks very sweetly to Kajal but gossips about Kajal behind her back. This is called, ‘speak praise on the face and stab him from behind’.”
#22 जहाँ चाह वहाँ राह (jahaan caah vahaan raah)
Literal Translation: “If you wish to do something, you’ll create a path for it.”
Similar English Proverb: “Where there is a will, there’s a way.”
Usage in Context: Hurdles are not an excuse to drop your goal. If you really want to achieve something, you’ll surpass all the challenges no matter what.
Example Sentence:
मैरी कॉम ने तमाम परेशानियों के बावजूद दुनिया में अपनी पहचान बनायी क्योंकि जहाँ चाह वहाँ राह।
(mairii kaum Ne Tamaam paresaaNiyon ke baavajuuD DuNiyaa men apaNii pahacaaN baNaayii kyonki jahaan caah vahaan raah.)
“Mary Kom made her mark in the world despite all the troubles, because where there is a will, there’s a way.”
Create your own path.
#23 ऊँची दुकान फीके पकवान (uuncii DukaaN phiike pakavaaN)
Literal Translation: “A grand shop serving bland food items.”
Similar English Proverb: “All that glitters is not gold.”
Usage in Context: What looks precious and beautiful from outside may not be the same on the inside.
Example Sentence:
बॉलीवुड इंडस्ट्री बाहर से जितनी अच्छी दिखती है असल में अंदर से वैसी है नहीं। बस ऊँची दुकान फीके पकवान हैं।
(bauLiivud induStrii baahar Se jiTaNii acchii DikhaTii hai aSaL men aNDar Se vaiSii hai Nahiin. baS uuncii DukaaN phiike pakavaaN hain.)
“The Bollywood industry is not as appealing from the inside as it looks from the outside. You know, all that glitters is not gold.”
#24 अपना हाथ जगन्नाथ (apaNaa haaTH jagaNNaaTH)
Literal Translation: “Own hands are like that of God.”
Similar English Proverb: “If you want a thing done right, do it yourself.”
Usage in Context: The best person to do your work is you.
Example Sentence:
रीमा ने किसी का इंतज़ार किये बिना ख़ुद ही कॉलेज में एडमिशन ले लिया क्योंकि अपना हाथ जगन्नाथ।
(riimaa Ne kiSii kaa iNTazaar kiye biNaa khuD hii kauLej men edamisaN Le Liyaa kyonki apaNaa haaTH jagaNNaaTH.)
“Without waiting for someone else, Reema herself got admission into the college because if you wish to do something, the best way is to do it yourself.”
#25 दाल में काला (DaaL men kaaLaa)
Literal Translation: “Something black in the lentil.”
Similar English Proverb: “To smell a rat.”
Usage in Context: This phrase is used when something doesn’t feel normal or right.
Example Sentence:
सभी बच्चे इतने शांत क्यों हैं? मुझे तो दाल में काला नज़र आता है।
(Sabhii bacce iTaNe saaNT kyon hain? Mujhe To DaaL men kaaLaa Nazar aaTaa hai.)
“Why are all the kids so quiet? I can smell a rat here!”
#26 जो गरजते हैं वो बरसते नहीं (jo garajaTe hain vo baraSaTe Nahiin)
Literal Translation: “When there’s thunder, there is no rain.”
Similar English Proverb: “Barking dogs do not bite.”
Usage in Context: Some people talk about doing things that they don’t actually have the guts to do. It’s just empty words and fake threats.
Example Sentence:
A: तनु ने नौकरी छोड़ने की इतनी धमकियाँ दीं लेकिन वो तो अभी तक उसी कंपनी में काम कर रही है। (TaNu Ne Naukarii chodaNe kii iTaNii DHamakiyaan Diin LekiN vo To abhii Tak uSii kampaNii men kaam kar rahii hai.)
“Tanu threatened to leave the job so many times, but she is still working for the same company.”
B: जो गरजते हैं वो बरसते नहीं। (jo garajaTe hain vo baraSaTe Nahiin)
“Barking dogs do not bite.”
#27 जल में रहकर मगर से बैर (jaL men rahakar magar Se bair)
Literal Translation: “Don’t upset a crocodile while sharing the same water.”
Similar English Proverb: “You cannot live in Rome and fight with the Pope.”
Usage in Context: When you’re dealing with a powerful person, it’s better not to get in trouble with him/her.
Example Sentence:
A: हमारे विद्यालय के अध्यापक ने प्रधानाचार्य से ही झगड़ा कर लिया।
(hamaare viDyaaLay ke aDHyaapak Ne praDHaaNaacaary Se hii jhagadaa kar Liyaa.)
“One of the teachers in our school got into a quarrel with the principal.”
B: ये तो ठीक नहीं हुआ। जल में रहकर मगर से बैर ठीक नहीं होता।
(ye To thiik Nahiin huaa. jaL men rahakar magar Se bair thiik Nahiin hoTaa.)
“This is not good. You cannot live in Rome and fight with the Pope.”
#28 नाम लिया और शैतान हाज़िर (Naam Liyaa aur saiTaaN haazir)
Literal Translation: “Utter the name and the devil would present itself.”
Similar English Proverb: “Talk of the devil and the devil appears.”
Usage in Context: Suppose that some coworkers are gossiping about their wicked boss, and he appears in the blink of an eye. This would be the perfect time to use this saying!
Example Sentence:
A: बॉस हमें कभी छुट्टी नहीं देते। (bauS hamen kabhii chuttii Nahiin DeTe.)
“Boss never gives us any leaves.”
B: चुप हो जाओ। वो अभी अपने कमरे से निकले हैं। (cup ho jaao. Vo abhii apaNe kamare Se NikaLe hain.)
“Keep quiet. He has just come out of his room.”
A: ओह! नाम लिया और शैतान हाज़िर! (oh! Naam Liyaa aur saiTaaN haazir!)
“Oh! Talk of the devil and the devil appears.”
Talk of a devil!
#29 साँच को आंच क्या (Saanc ko aanc kyaa)
Literal Translation: “Pure gold is unaffected by the flame.”
Similar English Proverb: “Truth fears none.”
Usage in Context: Those who are honest and speak the truth have no reason to fear anything.
Example Sentence:
कभी-कभी भले लोगों पर भी झूठे आरोप लगते हैं। लेकिन वे ऐसी बातों की परवाह नहीं करते। क्योंकि साँच को आंच क्या!
(kabhii-kabhii bhaLe Logon par bhii jhuuthe aarop LagaTe hain. LekiN ve aiSii baaTon kii paravaah Nahiin karaTe. kyonki Saanc ko aanc kyaa!)
“Sometimes even the most humble people are falsely accused. But they remain unaffected by such things because truth fears none.”
#30 जैसा देश, वैसा भेष (jaiSaa Des, vaiSaa bhes)
Literal Translation: “Like country, like dress.”
Similar English Proverb: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Usage in Context: When foreigners decide to move to gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, they follow the same etiquette for dress, food, and other behaviors to fit in with the locals.
Example Sentence:
सऊदी अरब में विदेशी औरतों को भी बुर्क़ा पहनना पड़ता है। ज़ाहिर सी बात है, जैसा देश वैसा भेष।
(SauDii arab men viDesii auraTon ko bhii burqaa pahaNaNaa padaTaa hai. zaahir Sii baaT hai, jaiSaa Des vaiSaa bhes.)
“In Saudi Arabia, even the foreign women have to cover their heads. After all, it’s true that when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
3. Conclusion
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