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.

कानो गोरुलाई औंसी न पुर्ने।

“For a blind ox, the new moon and the full moon are the same.”

Things that matter greatly to others make no difference to one who cannot perceive or understand them.

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.