Traditional proverbs of India in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.
अब पछताए होत क्या जब चिड़िया चुग गई खेत
“What use is regret now, when the birds have already eaten the crop?”
There is no point in regretting once the opportunity has already been lost.
Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition
नाच न जाने आँगन टेढ़ा
“One who cannot dance says the courtyard is crooked.”
An incompetent person blames external circumstances for their own shortcomings.
Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition
जैसी करनी वैसी भरनी
“As are your deeds, so is what you must bear.”
You reap the consequences of your own actions.
Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition
दूर के ढोल सुहावने लगते हैं
“Distant drums sound sweet.”
Things far away or belonging to others seem more attractive than they really are.
Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition
एक हाथ से ताली नहीं बजती
“A clap does not sound from one hand alone.”
A quarrel or conflict cannot happen unless both sides contribute.
Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition
बंदर क्या जाने अदरक का स्वाद
“What does a monkey know of the taste of ginger?”
One who lacks discernment cannot appreciate something of real value.
Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition
जल में रहकर मगर से बैर
“Living in the water yet at enmity with the crocodile.”
It is unwise to antagonize those on whom you depend.
Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition
काला अक्षर भैंस बराबर
“To him, black letters are the same as a buffalo.”
Said of someone who is completely illiterate and cannot make sense of the written word.
Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition
अंत भला तो सब भला
“If the end is good, all is good.”
A good outcome makes up for earlier troubles along the way.
Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition
अपनी करनी पार उतरनी
“One's own deeds carry one across.”
Ultimately it is your own actions, not others' help, that determine your fate.
Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition