Classic Hindi proverbs (muhavare)

अब पछताए होत क्या जब चिड़िया चुग गई खेत

ab pachtāē hot kyā jab ciṛiyā cug gaī khēt

What use is regret now, when the birds have already eaten the field

Meaning: It's too late to act once the damage is done.

अंधों में काना राजा

andhōṁ meṁ kānā rājā

In the land of the blind, the one-eyed is king

Meaning: Among the weak, even a slightly capable person seems great.

दूर के ढोल सुहाने

dūr ke ḍhōl suhānē

Drums sound sweet from afar

Meaning: Things look more attractive from a distance than they actually are.

अंत भला तो सब भला

ant bhalā tō sab bhalā

If the end is good, everything is good

Meaning: All's well that ends well.

जैसी करनी वैसी भरनी

jaisī karnī vaisī bharnī

As you do, so shall you reap

Meaning: You bear the consequences of your own actions.

नाच न जाने, आँगन टेढ़ा

nāc na jānē, āṅgan tēṛhā

Doesn't know how to dance, says the courtyard is crooked

Meaning: A poor workman blames his tools.

जब तक साँस, तब तक आस

jab tak sāṁs, tab tak ās

As long as there is breath, there is hope

Meaning: Never give up while you're still alive.

चोर की दाढ़ी में तिनका

cōr kī dāṛhī meṁ tinkā

There is a straw in the thief's beard

Meaning: A guilty person gives himself away unconsciously.

दाल में काला

dāl meṁ kālā

Something black in the dal

Meaning: Something fishy / a hidden problem.