बदनाम भन्दा वध भलो।

“A bad name is worse than death.”

A ruined reputation causes deeper harm than death itself; honor is worth more than mere survival.

नाच्न जान्दैन आँगन टेढो।

“One who cannot dance blames the courtyard for being crooked.”

A poor workman blames his tools; people who fail often blame their surroundings instead of their own lack of skill.

नहुनु मामा भन्दा कानो मामा निको।

“A one-eyed uncle is better than no uncle at all.”

Something imperfect is still better than having nothing at all.

अगुल्टाले हानेको कुकुर बिजुली चम्कँदा तर्सिन्छ।

“A dog once struck with a firebrand is frightened even by a flash of lightning.”

A painful past experience leaves lasting caution, so that even a harmless reminder of it provokes fear.

हात्तीको मुखमा जिरा।

“A cumin seed in an elephant's mouth.”

Used for an amount so small that it makes no real difference against a much greater need — a mere drop in the ocean.

हाँसको बथानमा बकुल्लो।

“A stork among a flock of geese.”

Describes someone who stands out awkwardly, out of place among a group they do not truly belong with.