Essential English Idioms & Hindi Proverbs (मुहावरे और लोकोक्तियाँ)
Translating an idiom word-for-word loses its cultural metaphor. For example, "A drop in the ocean" maps culturally in Hindi to "ऊँट के मुँह में जीरा" (Cumin seed in a camel's mouth). Here are the most important English–Hindi proverbs for exams and writing.
English Idiom
“A drop in the ocean”
ऊँट के मुँह में जीरा
Oont ke munh mein jeera
A very small amount compared to what is needed.
English Idiom
“Actions speak louder than words”
कथनी से करनी भली
Kathni se karni bhali
What you do is more significant than what you say.
English Idiom
“All that glitters is not gold”
हर चमकने वाली चीज़ सोना नहीं होती
Har chamakne vaali cheez sona nahi hoti
Appearances can be deceptive.
English Idiom
“Add fuel to the fire”
आग में घी डालना
Aag mein ghee daalna
To make a bad situation or argument even worse.
English Idiom
“Kill two birds with one stone”
एक पंथ दो काज
Ek panth do kaaj
Achieve two goals with a single effort.
English Idiom
“As you sow, so shall you reap”
जैसी करनी वैसी भरनी
Jaisi karni vaisi bharni
Your actions determine your consequences.
English Idiom
“Barking dogs seldom bite”
जो गरजते हैं वे बरसते नहीं
Jo garajte hain ve baraste nahi
People who make loud threats rarely carry them out.
English Idiom
“Might is right”
जिसकी लाठी उसकी भैंस
Jiski laathi uski bhains
Those with power often control the outcome.