LITERATURE · THE PROVERB COLLECTION

Proverbs, across languages.

A small collection of familiar sayings, read in their own language and understood in English.

All languages English English हिन्दी Hindi Français French ಕನ್ನಡ Kannada

16 proverbs · 4 pilot languages

English · Prudence

A stitch in time saves nine.

Traditional English proverb

Reading

A stitch in time saves nine.

The original already uses the Latin alphabet.

Meaning

Dealing with a small problem promptly can prevent a much larger repair later.

Plain English wording

A timely stitch saves nine more stitches.

Meaning in English

Take care of small difficulties before they grow. The sewing image illustrates the value of acting early.

A small example

Repair a small roof leak before the next heavy rain.

Wording reference: Wiktionary · proverb entry ↗

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English · Character

Actions speak louder than words.

Traditional English proverb

Reading

Actions speak louder than words.

The original already uses the Latin alphabet.

Meaning

What a person actually does is stronger evidence of commitment than what they promise.

Plain English wording

Actions communicate more powerfully than words.

Meaning in English

Judge commitment by behaviour, not promises alone. This does not mean that thoughtful words have no value.

A small example

Help a friend with their work instead of only promising to help.

Wording reference: Cambridge Dictionary · saying ↗

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English · Prudence

Look before you leap.

Traditional English proverb

Reading

Look before you leap.

The original already uses the Latin alphabet.

Meaning

Consider the possible consequences before making an important decision.

Plain English wording

Look carefully before you jump.

Meaning in English

Pause to understand risks before acting. Caution is useful, but it need not become endless hesitation.

A small example

Read the rental agreement before paying a deposit.

Wording reference: Cambridge Dictionary · saying ↗

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English · Perseverance

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Traditional English proverb

Reading

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

The original already uses the Latin alphabet.

Meaning

Strong determination can help someone discover a way through a difficulty.

Plain English wording

Where determination exists, a path can be found.

Meaning in English

Persistence encourages resourcefulness. It is encouragement, not a guarantee that every obstacle can be overcome by effort alone.

A small example

A learner with limited free time builds a steady ten-minute daily practice.

Wording reference: Instituto Cervantes · multilingual proverb collection ↗

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हिन्दी · Character

नाच न जाने आँगन टेढ़ा।

Traditional Hindi proverb

Read in Roman script

Naach na jaane, aangan tedha.

Approximate reading guide, not a pronunciation standard.

अर्थ

अपनी कमी स्वीकार करने के बजाय परिस्थिति या किसी और को दोष देना।

Literal English translation

Unable to dance, one blames the crooked courtyard.

Meaning in English

People sometimes blame their surroundings instead of recognising a lack of skill or preparation.

A small example

A player who has not practised blames the ground for every mistake.

Wording reference: Rekhta Dictionary · proverb entry ↗

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हिन्दी · Perseverance

जहाँ चाह, वहाँ राह।

Traditional Hindi proverb

Read in Roman script

Jahaan chaah, vahaan raah.

Approximate reading guide, not a pronunciation standard.

अर्थ

दृढ़ इच्छा और निरंतर प्रयास से कठिनाई का समाधान खोजा जा सकता है।

Literal English translation

Where there is a will, there is a way.

Meaning in English

Determination can inspire creative solutions. The saying offers encouragement rather than a promise of certain success.

A small example

A student finds library resources when buying every textbook is not possible.

Wording reference: Rekhta Dictionary · proverb entry ↗

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हिन्दी · Consequences

जैसी करनी, वैसी भरनी।

Traditional Hindi proverb

Read in Roman script

Jaisi karni, vaisi bharni.

Approximate reading guide, not a pronunciation standard.

अर्थ

मनुष्य को अपने कर्मों के परिणाम का सामना करना पड़ता है।

Literal English translation

As the deed, so the consequence.

Meaning in English

Our choices can bring consequences, so act responsibly. It should not be used to blame someone for misfortune beyond their control.

A small example

Someone who repeatedly breaks promises may lose other people’s trust.

Wording reference: Rekhta Dictionary · proverb entry ↗

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हिन्दी · Patience

बूँद-बूँद से घड़ा भरता है।

Traditional Hindi proverb

Read in Roman script

Boond-boond se ghada bharta hai.

Approximate reading guide, not a pronunciation standard.

अर्थ

छोटे-छोटे नियमित प्रयास मिलकर बड़ा परिणाम देते हैं।

Literal English translation

Drop by drop, the pot fills.

Meaning in English

Small contributions accumulate over time. Consistency can matter more than occasional bursts of effort.

A small example

Reading a few pages every day eventually finishes a long book.

Wording reference: Oil Industry Development Board · Anubhuti publication ↗

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Français · Patience

Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.

Traditional French proverb

Reading

Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.

The original already uses the Latin alphabet.

Sens en français

De petits efforts réguliers permettent de construire quelque chose d’important avec le temps.

Literal English translation

Little by little, the bird builds its nest.

Meaning in English

Lasting progress often comes from many small steps. The bird’s nest is an image of patient construction.

A small example

Practising a language a little each day builds confidence over several months.

Wording reference: Wiktionnaire · proverbe ↗

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Français · Hope

Après la pluie, le beau temps.

Traditional French proverb

Reading

Après la pluie, le beau temps.

The original already uses the Latin alphabet.

Sens en français

Une période difficile peut être suivie de jours plus heureux.

Literal English translation

After the rain comes fine weather.

Meaning in English

Difficult times need not last forever. The saying expresses hope, not a literal forecast or a certainty about the future.

A small example

After a disappointing result, a learner rests and begins preparing for another opportunity.

Wording reference: Dictionnaire de l’Académie française · après ↗

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Français · Character

L’habit ne fait pas le moine.

Traditional French proverb

Reading

L’habit ne fait pas le moine.

The original already uses the Latin alphabet.

Sens en français

L’apparence d’une personne ne suffit pas pour connaître son caractère ou ses qualités.

Literal English translation

The robe does not make the monk.

Meaning in English

Outward appearance does not establish a person’s character or ability. Look beyond clothing, titles and presentation.

A small example

Evaluate someone’s work rather than judging them by an expensive outfit.

Wording reference: Académie française · discussion of the proverb ↗

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Français · Consequences

Qui sème le vent récolte la tempête.

Traditional French proverb

Reading

Qui sème le vent récolte la tempête.

The original already uses the Latin alphabet.

Sens en français

Des actes qui provoquent des troubles peuvent entraîner des conséquences bien plus graves.

Literal English translation

Whoever sows the wind reaps the storm.

Meaning in English

Reckless or harmful actions can grow into serious consequences. The weather imagery is figurative.

A small example

Spreading a small rumour can lead to a much larger conflict.

Wording reference: Dictionnaire de l’Académie française · vent ↗

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ಕನ್ನಡ · Perseverance

ಕೈ ಕೆಸರಾದರೆ ಬಾಯಿ ಮೊಸರು.

Traditional Kannada proverb

Read in Roman script

Kai kesaraadare baayi mosaru.

Approximate reading guide, not a pronunciation standard.

ಅರ್ಥ

ಶ್ರಮಪಟ್ಟು ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿದರೆ ಅದರ ಫಲವನ್ನು ಅನುಭವಿಸಬಹುದು ಎಂಬ ಅರ್ಥದ ಗಾದೆ.

Literal English translation

When the hands get muddy, the mouth gets curd.

Meaning in English

Work brings its rewards. Muddy hands evoke physical labour, while curd represents enjoying the result.

A small example

A gardener tends the soil regularly and later enjoys the harvest.

Wording reference: Kannada Wikiquote · traditional proverb collection ↗

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ಕನ್ನಡ · Patience

ಹನಿ ಹನಿ ಸೇರಿದರೆ ಹಳ್ಳ, ತೆನೆ ತೆನೆ ಸೇರಿದರೆ ಬಳ್ಳ.

Traditional Kannada proverb

Read in Roman script

Hani hani seridare halla, tene tene seridare balla.

Approximate reading guide, not a pronunciation standard.

ಅರ್ಥ

ಸಣ್ಣ ಸಣ್ಣ ಕೊಡುಗೆಗಳು ಸೇರಿ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಫಲವನ್ನು ಕೊಡುತ್ತವೆ ಎಂಬ ಅರ್ಥದ ಗಾದೆ.

Literal English translation

Drops together make a stream; ears of grain together fill a measure.

Meaning in English

Small things become substantial when gathered together. The second image uses a traditional grain measure.

A small example

A group completes a large task by having each person contribute a little.

Wording reference: Kannada Wikiquote · traditional proverb collection ↗

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ಕನ್ನಡ · Prudence

ಅತಿಯಾದರೆ ಅಮೃತವೂ ವಿಷ.

Traditional Kannada proverb

Read in Roman script

Atiyaadare amrutavoo visha.

Approximate reading guide, not a pronunciation standard.

ಅರ್ಥ

ಒಳ್ಳೆಯದಾದರೂ ಮಿತಿಮೀರಿದರೆ ಹಾನಿಯಾಗಬಹುದು ಎಂಬ ಅರ್ಥದ ಗಾದೆ.

Literal English translation

In excess, even nectar becomes poison.

Meaning in English

Moderation matters: too much of something pleasant or useful can become harmful. This is proverbial imagery, not medical guidance.

A small example

Enjoying a hobby is healthy, but doing it all night can interfere with rest.

Wording reference: Kannada Wikiquote · traditional proverb collection ↗

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ಕನ್ನಡ · Character

ಕಬ್ಬು ಡೊಂಕಾದರೆ ಸಿಹಿ ಡೊಂಕೇ?

Traditional Kannada proverb

Read in Roman script

Kabbu donkaadare sihi donke?

Approximate reading guide, not a pronunciation standard.

ಅರ್ಥ

ಹೊರಗಿನ ರೂಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೊರತೆಯಿದ್ದರೂ ಒಳಗಿನ ಗುಣ ಕಡಿಮೆಯಾಗುವುದಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂಬ ಅರ್ಥದ ಗಾದೆ.

Literal English translation

If sugarcane is crooked, is its sweetness crooked too?

Meaning in English

An unusual or imperfect appearance does not diminish inner worth. The contrast is between a cane’s shape and its sweetness.

A small example

Do not dismiss a useful handmade object merely because it is not perfectly shaped.

Wording reference: Kannada Wikiquote · traditional proverb collection ↗

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READ WITH CONTEXT

Many languages. Shared questions.

This pilot contains English, Hindi, French and Kannada. More languages and sourced literary selections can be added over time.

These are traditional proverbs, not quotations attributed to a named poet. Wording can vary by region. The reference links document usage; they do not establish a single inventor or place of origin.

Meanings, examples and English translations are skyvison editorial explanations, not copied dictionary definitions. Roman-script readings for Hindi and Kannada are approximate. French and English already use the Latin alphabet. Proverbs express cultural perspectives; they are not universal rules.

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