Annexure 4: Marathi Idioms and Proverbs for Daily Use

Abstract

Marathi idioms and proverbs offer valuable insights into the culture and wisdom of the Marathi-speaking region. They are often used to offer advice, express common experiences, or provide a humorous perspective on life. Here are a few examples with their English translations:

Proverbs:

• "पेरावे तसे उगवते" (Peraave tasa ugavte) - "As you sow, so shall you reap":

  This proverb emphasizes the consequences of one's actions, highlighting that good deeds will lead to good outcomes and vice versa. 
• "उथळ पाण्याला खळखळाट फार" (Uthal paanyala khalkhalat far) - "Shallow waters make the most noise":

  This proverb is similar to "empty vessels make the most sound" in English, implying that those with little knowledge or wisdom often talk the most. 
• "नित नये वाटे, शहाणा घेई वाटे" (Nit naye vaate, shahana gheyi vaate) - "A wise person learns from the mistakes of others":

  This proverb suggests that it's wise to learn from the experiences of others rather than repeating their mistakes. 
• "कावळ्याच्या शांतीला देव पावला" (Kawlyachya shantila dev pawla) - "A crow's rest is heaven-sent":

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone's misfortune is actually a blessing in disguise. 

Idioms:

• "कळतं पण वळत नाही" (Kalata pan valat nahi) - "Knows it, but can't do it":

  This idiom describes the situation where someone understands what needs to be done but lacks the will or ability to do it. 
• "चांगला माणूस, चांगल्या माणसांच्या संगतीत" (Changla manus, changlya mansanchya sangtit) - "A good person, in the company of good people":

  This idiom emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. 
• "गाढवाला गुळाची चव काय" (Gadhavala gulachi chav kay) - "What does a donkey know of the taste of jaggery?":

  This idiom is used to describe someone who lacks the capacity to appreciate something good or valuable. 
• "तोंडात मिठाची गुळणी" (Tondat mithachi gulani) - "A pinch of salt in the mouth":

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where one is trying to keep a secret. 

These are just a few examples, and there are many more Marathi idioms and proverbs that offer valuable insights into the language and culture. By understanding and using these expressions, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and wisdom of the Marathi language

Let's learn more 

1. Introduction

Marathi, like many Indian languages, is rich with idioms (मुहावरे) and proverbs (प्रचलित म्हणी) that bring color, depth, and cultural wisdom to everyday speech. Understanding and using these expressions appropriately helps language learners sound more natural, local, and expressive. This annexure introduces commonly used idioms and proverbs in Marathi with meanings, usage, and context.

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2. Difference Between Idioms and Proverbs

Term	Marathi	Meaning
Idiom	मुहावरा	A group of words with a meaning different from the literal meanings of the individual words.
Proverb	म्हण	A traditional saying that expresses a truth or piece of advice based on common sense or experience.

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3. Common Marathi Idioms (मुहावरे)

Marathi Idiom	Literal Meaning	English Equivalent / Meaning	Usage Example
अंगावर येणे	To come upon the body	To take responsibility bravely	संकट अंगावर घेतले. (Took the crisis on himself.)
डोळ्यांत तेल घालून पाहणे	Putting oil in the eyes and watching	Watch very carefully	डोळ्यांत तेल घालून मुलं अभ्यास करतात.
तोंड उघडणे	To open the mouth	To begin speaking / reveal a secret	त्याने शेवटी तोंड उघडलं.
हाताशी येणे	To come to hand	To become useful	हे शिक्षण पुढे हाताशी येईल.
पाय घसरला	Foot slipped	Made a mistake / wrong decision	त्याचा पाय घसरला आणि तो अडचणीत आला.
हात वर करणे	Raise the hand	To give up / surrender	शेवटी त्याने हात वर केले.
नाक मुरडणे	Wrinkle the nose	To look down upon something	तो कामावर नाक मुरडतो.
अंगाशी येणे	Comes back to affect	Backfires	खोटं बोलणं अंगाशी आलं.

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4. Common Marathi Proverbs (म्हणी)

Marathi Proverb	English Meaning	Explanation
वेळेवर शिळंही चालतं	Even stale food is fine if on time	Timing is more important than perfection
जशास तसं	Tit for tat	You reap what you sow
थेंब थेंब तळे साचे	Drop by drop, a lake is formed	Small efforts lead to big achievements
आधी पोटीमिठ नंतर गोडी	First salt, then sweet	Start with hardship, then comes ease
ऊस गोड, पण मुळे कडू	Sugarcane is sweet, but roots are bitter	Every sweet success has bitter effort behind
हाती घ्यावं ते पूर्ण करावं	What you take in hand, complete it	Commitment and perseverance are important
सावध रहा, सुरक्षित राहा	Be alert, stay safe	Always be cautious in life
अति तिथे माती	Too much leads to ruin	Excess of anything is bad
नदीच्या खोलीपेक्षा वाट बघावी	Better wait than rush into the unknown	Think before taking risks
नाचता येईना, अंगण वाकडे	Blaming surroundings for own inability	People blame others when they fail

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5. Proverbs by Themes

A. Wisdom & Learning

• विद्या विनय देतो – Knowledge brings humility

• जो जाई शाळेत, तोच कळतो खरा हेत – Only one who goes to school understands the purpose

B. Hard Work & Patience

• श्रम करा, यश मिळवा – Work hard, achieve success

• थोड्या थोड्याने गाठता येते शिखर – Small steps can reach the summit

C. Behavior & Relationships

• माणूस नावाचा प्राणी विचित्र असतो – Humans are strange creatures

• आपलं दुःख आपल्यालाच माहीत – Only you know your own pain

D. Fortune & Luck

• काळ आला पण वेळ नाही – The moment came, but not the right time

• नशीबात जे लिहिलंय तेच होणार – Whatever is written in fate, will happen

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6. Using Idioms & Proverbs in Sentences

1. तो डोळ्यांत तेल घालून अभ्यास करतो.
   (He studies very carefully.)

2. अति तिथे माती झालं त्याचं.
   (He overdid it and ruined everything.)

3. थेंब थेंब तळे साचे, म्हणून दररोज थोडं तरी वाचतो.
   (Drop by drop forms a lake, so I read a little every day.)

4. नाक मुरडण्याऐवजी काम कर.
   (Stop complaining and start working.)

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7. Tips to Learn and Use Idioms/Proverbs Effectively

Tip	Description
📖 Keep a separate notebook	Note down idioms with meaning and example
🎧 Listen to native conversations	Marathi TV, radio, or YouTube for hearing real use
🗣️ Practice in context	Don’t just memorize—use them in conversations
🔁 Repeat often	Repetition helps in retention
🧠 Understand cultural context	Know why and when an idiom is used

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8. Exercises for Practice

A. Match the Following

Idiom / Proverb	Meaning
अंगाशी येणे	A. Blaming others for own failure
नाचता येईना, अंगण वाकडे	B. Hardship brings sweetness later
आधी पोटीमिठ नंतर गोडी	C. Comes back to trouble you

Answer: 1 – C, 2 – A, 3 – B

B. Fill in the Blanks (Using idioms or proverbs)

1. खूप खोटं बोलल्यामुळे शेवटी ते _________.

2. दररोज थोडा अभ्यास कर, ________.

3. त्याने प्रयत्न सोडले आणि ________.

Answer: 1. अंगाशी आलं, 2. थेंब थेंब तळे साचे, 3. हात वर केले

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9. Conclusion

Idioms and proverbs are not only linguistic tools but also carriers of Marathi culture, humor, and wisdom. When used appropriately, they enrich your conversations, enhance your fluency, and earn you respect from native speakers. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate learner, incorporating Marathi idiomatic expressions and proverbs into your daily speech will make your Marathi more lively, meaningful, and native-like.

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Would you like to continue with Annexure 5: Respectful Terms and Addressing Titles in Marathi Society next?