10 Hilarious Hindi Proverbs and Their English Equivalents You Didn’t Know You Needed!

We all love a good proverb—especially the ones that make us smile, laugh, and think, “Wow, that’s so true!” Indian kahavats are packed with humor, wisdom, and a little bit of drama. So, let’s dive into 10 of the most relatable, quirky, and totally hilarious proverbs from India that perfectly match their English counterparts. Ready for a chuckle? Let’s go!

---

1. बोया पेड बबूल का तो आम कहाँ से होय

Literal Meaning: If you sow a Babul tree, how will you get mangoes?
English Equivalent: “You reap what you sow.”
Why It’s Relatable: Imagine planting a Babul tree and hoping for mangoes… it’s not going to happen, right? Well, that’s life! Whatever you put in—good or bad—comes back to you. So, don’t expect mangoes if you’re planting thorns. Life Tip: Choose your seeds wisely!

---

2. मुंह में दही जमाना

Literal Meaning: To have curd in your mouth.
English Equivalent: “Cat got your tongue?”
Why It’s Relatable: Ever seen someone suddenly go silent, especially when they’re caught red-handed? This one’s for them. Whether you’re guilty, shy, or just lost for words—this saying nails that awkward silence. Bonus points if they try to look innocent while their face says “I totally messed up!”

---

3. ना उधव का लेना, ना माधव का देना

Literal Meaning: Neither take anything from Udhav, nor give anything to Madhav.
English Equivalent: “No strings attached.”
Why It’s Relatable: You know that one friend who steers clear of drama, minding their own business, and never gets involved in the mess? Yeah, this proverb is basically them. Sip your tea, stay out of it, and enjoy the show—that’s the vibe!

---

4. ना लेना एक, ना देना दो

Literal Meaning: Neither take one nor give two.
English Equivalent: “Not my circus, not my monkeys.”
Why It’s Relatable: Avoiding drama? Check. This proverb is for when you’re just not interested in getting involved in anyone’s drama. Office politics? Nope. Neighborhood gossip? Not today. You’re just here for the chill vibes, thank you very much!

---

5. गंगा गए गंगादास, जमुना गए जमुनादास

Literal Meaning: When you’re at the Ganges, be Ganga Das; when you’re at the Yamuna, be Yamuna Das.
English Equivalent: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Why It’s Relatable: Whether you’re at a family gathering, with your colleagues, or at a party, adapting to the vibe is key. This proverb? Pure social genius. It’s about blending in, reading the room, and being the smooth operator you were always meant to be!

---

6. पेड पर कुल्हाड़ी मारना

Literal Meaning: To strike your own leg with an axe.
English Equivalent: “To shoot yourself in the foot.”
Why It’s Relatable: Oops! We’ve all done it. Whether it’s making a decision that backfires or doing something that makes things worse—this one hits home for those facepalm moments when you’re the reason things went wrong.

---

7. अकल बडी या भैस

Literal Meaning: Is intelligence greater, or the buffalo?
English Equivalent: “Brains over brawn.”
Why It’s Relatable: Sometimes, you just need brains—not brawn! This one’s for those moments when using your brain saves the day, while the brawn… well, not so much. Don’t underestimate the power of thinking your way out of a situation!

---

8. अपना हाथ जगन्नाथ

Literal Meaning: Your hand is your god.
English Equivalent: “Self-help is the best help.”
Why It’s Relatable: You know how it goes—no one’s coming to save you. Want something done? Time to roll up your sleeves and take matters into your own hands. This is the ultimate reminder that you’re the hero of your own story!

---

9. खाया पीया कुछ नहीं, ग्लास तोड़ा बारा आना

Literal Meaning: Ate nothing, drank nothing, but broke the glass worth twelve annas.
English Equivalent: “All that effort for nothing.”
Why It’s Relatable: Ever put in all your energy, only for things to go completely sideways? This one’s for those situations when you end up with nothing but frustration—and maybe a broken glass.

---

10. अधाई हाथ की कक्डी, नौ हाथ की बीज

Literal Meaning: A cucumber two-and-a-half hands long, and seeds nine hands long.
English Equivalent: “Making a mountain out of a molehill.”
Why It’s Relatable: For those who just love exaggerating. This one’s for when someone turns a tiny issue into a gigantic one. You’re like, Really? That’s the problem you’re making a fuss about?

---

Why We Love These Proverbs

Indian proverbs are packed with lessons and humor. Whether you’re laughing at the absurdity or nodding in agreement, these sayings show us that life’s little moments can be summed up in a sentence or two. And guess what? We’re all guilty of living out some of these proverbs—in the best way, of course!

So, next time you find yourself caught in a situation that seems straight out of a proverb, just remember: these little nuggets of wisdom have been around for centuries, guiding people through the ups and downs of life.

Now, tell us—which of these proverbs do you live by? Drop a comment and share your thoughts!