Bangladesh Proverbs (10)

Traditional proverbs of Bangladesh in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.

অতি লোভে তাঁতি নষ্ট

“Excessive greed ruins the weaver.”

Wanting too much or being too greedy ultimately leads to a person's own downfall.

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Source: Traditional Bengali proverb, public-domain oral tradition

নাচতে না জানলে উঠান বাঁকা

“When you cannot dance, you blame the courtyard for being crooked.”

An incompetent person blames external circumstances instead of admitting their own lack of skill.

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Source: Traditional Bengali proverb, public-domain oral tradition

যত গর্জে তত বর্ষে না

“It does not rain as much as it thunders.”

Those who make the loudest threats or boasts rarely follow through with real action.

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Source: Traditional Bengali proverb, public-domain oral tradition

চোরের মায়ের বড় গলা

“The thief's mother has the loudest voice.”

The guilty party often shouts the loudest to hide or deflect from their own wrongdoing.

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Source: Traditional Bengali proverb, public-domain oral tradition

গাছে কাঁঠাল গোঁফে তেল

“The jackfruit is still on the tree, yet oil is on the moustache.”

Do not celebrate or make preparations for a reward you have not yet secured.

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Source: Traditional Bengali proverb, public-domain oral tradition

বজ্র আঁটুনি ফস্কা গেরো

“A tight knot makes a slip-loose bind.”

Overly rigid or excessive control often produces the very failure it was meant to prevent.

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Source: Traditional Bengali proverb, public-domain oral tradition

ঢিল মারলে পাটকেল খেতে হয়

“If you throw a clod, you must expect a brickbat in return.”

Aggression or provocation invites retaliation, often greater than the original act.

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Source: Traditional Bengali proverb, public-domain oral tradition

অল্প বিদ্যা ভয়ংকরী

“A little learning is a dangerous thing.”

Partial or incomplete knowledge can be more harmful than complete ignorance.

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Source: Traditional Bengali proverb, public-domain oral tradition

বানরের গলায় মুক্তার মালা

“A pearl necklace around a monkey's neck.”

Something valuable given to one who cannot appreciate or make use of it.

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Source: Traditional Bengali proverb, public-domain oral tradition

কানা ছেলের নাম পদ্মলোচন

“The blind boy is named Lotus-Eyed.”

Giving a grand name or label to something that is the exact opposite of it.

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Source: Traditional Bengali proverb, public-domain oral tradition