125 Bihar aur UP ki Kahawatein with Meanings – बिहार और यूपी की कहावतें अर्थ सहित 

(Collected, translated, and explained by Krishna Bhaskar)

बचपन की गलियों, मिट्टी की खुशबू और आँगन में बिछी चारपाई…
याद है न, जब गर्मी की दोपहर में दादी-नानी या गाँव के बुज़ुर्ग हुक्का गुड़गुड़ाते हुए कहानियों के साथ-साथ ऐसी कहावतें सुनाया करते थे, जिनमें ज़िंदगी का पूरा अनुभव छुपा होता था?
ये वो बातें थीं जो किताबों में नहीं मिलतीं, लेकिन एक बार सुन लो तो ज़िंदगी भर याद रहती हैं।

बिहार और यूपी की कहावतें सिर्फ़ मज़ेदार शब्द नहीं, बल्कि गाँव की हँसी, रिश्तों की मिठास, और हालात पर तंज कसने की देसी बुद्धि हैं। कभी ये चेतावनी देती हैं, कभी हँसी में सिखा जाती हैं, और कभी सीधा दिल को छू जाती हैं।

तो आइए, लौट चलते हैं उस देसी दुनिया में — जहाँ हर कहावत में छुपा है एक किस्सा, एक सीख, और बचपन की वो सोंधी महक।

1. सास के ओढ़ना, पतोह के गोड़ पोंछना।
Saas ke odhna, patoh ke god ponchna
Mother-in-law’s shawl used by daughter-in-law to wipe feet.
(Disrespect for others’ belongings.)

2. आपन भूख ता चुलहिअा फूक, पिया के भूख ता कपरे दुख
Aapan bhookh ta chulhia phook, piya ke bhookh ta kapre dukh
If you’re hungry, you light the stove; if husband’s hungry, you complain about headache.
(Self first, others later.)

3. मोरि भुखिया मोरि माई जानै, कठउत भर पिसान सानै
Mori bhukhiya mori maai janai, kathaut bhar pisan sanai
Only my mother knows my hunger and grinds enough flour for my bowl.
(Only close ones truly understand your needs.)

4. नरको चलली डूबे त गडहियो चलल पराई।।
Narko challi doobe ta gadhiya challal parai
If drowning in hell, will drag someone else into a pit too.
(Some people want others to suffer with them.)

5. सास बाड़ी चुपी तो बहु बाड़ी मिठी।
Saas badi chupi to bahu badi mithi
When the mother-in-law is quiet, the daughter-in-law is sweet.
(Peace from elders brings harmony.)

6. धरे के कान ना उखाड़े चुरूकी
Dhare ke kaan na ukhaade churuki
You had to grab the ears, not the ponytail.
(Distracting by doing something else because you couldn’t do the primary thing.)

7. उधियाइल सतुआ पितर के दान
Udhiyail sattu pitar ke daan
Soaked sattu offered to ancestors.
(Showing off a good deed but hiding a mistake.)

8. हम सुनरी, हमार पिया सुनर, गांव के लोग बनरा बनरी।
Ham sunri, hamar piya sunar, gaon ke log banra banri
I’m beautiful, my husband’s handsome, the rest of the village are monkeys.
(Over-the-top self-praise.)

9. अहकल कनिया, बहकल बर, ई मुअल त दोसर कर।
Ahkal kaniya, bahkal bar, ee mual ta dosar kar
A foolish bride, an arrogant groom — replace if one dies.
(Some people are meant to be replaceable.)

10. गरीब के मेहरारू, गांव के भौजाई।
Gareeb ke mehararu, gaon ke bhaujai
A poor man’s wife is everyone’s sister-in-law.
(The poor are taken casually by all.)

11. बाकी त सब रामचरितमानस में बा।
Baaki ta sab Ramcharitmanas me ba
The rest is in the Ramcharitmanas.
(No need to elaborate; the story is known.)

12. भइ गति सांप छुछुन्दर केरी
Bhai gati saap chhuchunder keri
Like the fate of snake and mongoose — neither survives.
(A lose-lose situation.)

13. का वरखा जब कृषि सुखाने, समय चूकि पुनि का पछिताने।
Ka barkha jab krishi sukhane, samay chooki puni ka pachhitane
What’s the use of rain after crops dry? Regret after time passes is useless.
(Help delayed solves no purpose.)

14. सास के खोखी पूतोह के दम्मा
Saas ke khokhi putoh ke damma
The mother-in-law’s has cough, the daughter-in-law has asthma.
(Sometimes, everyone looks weak.)

15. अपनी मड़ैया सब रसभरी, पराई मड़ैया अपयश भरी
Apni madhiya sab rasbhari, parai madhiya apyash bhari
Your own hut is sweet; others’ hut is shameful.
(We favor our own, judge others.)

16. अइली ना गइली फलाना बो कहइली।
Aili na gaili falana bo kaheili
Neither came nor went, yet claims she did.
(Taking false credit.)

17. सासु से बैर, पतोहू से नाता
Saasu se bair, patohu se naata
Enemy with mother-in-law, friendly with daughter-in-law.
(Selective relations in family feuds.)

18. नया लूगा नव दिन लुगरी सरब दिन
Naya luga nav din lugari sarab din
New clothes are new for nine days; old ones worn daily.
(Charm fades quickly.)

19. नई धोबनिया आवेली लुगरिये साबुन लगवेळी।
Nai dhobaniya aaveli lugariye sabun lagaveli
New washerwoman uses extra soap.
(New workers overdo to impress.)

20. एक त बबुआ अपने गोर दोसर काली कमरी ओढ़।
Ek ta babua apne gor, dosar kaali kamari oadh
Fair boy wears a black shawl.
(Natural advantages are bonus.)

21. माई निहारे पोटरी(पेट) मेहरी निहारे मोटरी(मनी)
Maai nihare potri (pet), mehri nihare motri (money)
Mother looks at belly (feeding), maid looks at purse (payment).
(Everyone focuses on their own interest.)

22. धिया के माई रानी बुड्ढारी भरस पानी
Dhiya ke maai rani, budhdhari bharas paani
Daughter’s mother is queen in youth, tears in old age.
(One with a daughter enjoys the old age.)

23. गवने कनियाँ हँसत जाली दोंगे कनियाँ रोवत जास।
Gawane kaniya hansat jaali, donge kaniya rowat jaas
Bride laughs going to husband’s house, cries returning.
(Marriage begins in joy but has struggles.)

24. एक दिन पहुना दोसर दिन ठेहुना तीसर दिन केहुना।
Ek din pahuna, dosar din thehuna, teesra din kehuna
First day guest, second day tolerated, third day just someone.
(Hospitality fades.)

25. आन्हरा आगे रोवनी आपनो दीदा खोवनी
Aanhra aage rowni, aapno deeda khowni
Cry before a blind man, lose your own eyesight.
(Helping the wrong person harms you too.)

26. भइल बेटी छोड़ा सिंगार आइल सवत करअ सिंगार
Bhail beti chhoda singaar, aail sawat kara singaar
Daughter leaves, stop dressing up; co-wife comes, start again.
(Circumstances change behavior.)

27. पानी पिह छान के बेटी बियाहीह जान के
Pani pih chhaan ke, beti biyahih jaan ke
Strain water before drinking; check well before marrying daughter.
(Important matters need care.)

28. चार दिन में गइले सुग्गा मोर बन आइले
Chaar din me gaile sugga, mor ban aaile
Parrot left, came back a peacock.
(New money people show off more.)

29. अइली ना गइली दु कउन बहु कहइली
Aili na gaili, du kaun bahu kaheili
Didn’t visit, still called herself a great daughter-in-law.
(Claiming status without effort.)

30. नरको में ठेलाठेली
Narko me thelathali
Pushing in hell.
(Fighting over worthless things.)

31. सास न ननद घरे अपने आनंद
Saas na nanad ghare apne aanand
No mother-in-law or sister-in-law — peace at home.
(No interference = happy home.)

32. जेकरे खातिर चोरी कईनी, ऊहे कहे चोर।
Jekre khatir chori kaileeni, oohe kahe chor
The one you stole for calls you a thief.
(Good deeds unappreciated.)

33. बाप के नाव साग पात बेटा के नाव परोरा
Baap ke naav saag paat, beta ke naav porora
Father known for greens, son for weeds.
(Reputation declines in next generation.)

34. नया नौ दिन आ पुराना सौ दिन
Naya nau din, purana sau din
New lasts nine days, old lasts hundred.
(Old ties last longer.)

35. साधु के नेवान ना, चोर के दवरी।
Sadhu ke newan na, chor ke dawri
Saint gets no food, thief gets feast.
(Wrong people rewarded.)

36. सोला लुग्गा झांपी बा मुनिया उघारी बा
Sola lugga jhampi ba, munia ughari ba
Sixteen clothes cover everything, but the little girl is still exposed.
(Missing the real priority.)

37. एक हाथ के गाजी मिया, नौ हाथ के पोंछ
Ek haath ke gaji miya, nau haath ke ponch
One-hand hero, nine-hand towel.
(Showing off beyond actual ability.)

38. अईसन पढ़ाई पढ़ले बबुआ अपने सिर बितानी
Aisan padhai padhle babua, apne sir bitani
Studied so much, sold his own head.
(Education used foolishly.)

39. आ वाटर वाटर कह के मरले खटिये तर हल पानी
Aa water water keh ke marle, khatiye tar hal paani
Died shouting “water” with water under the bed.
(Solution nearby but unseen.)

40. आन्हर देखलीं गोह , कहें मौसी पांव लगी
Aanhra dekhlin goh, kahen mausi paav lagi
The blind man greets a lizard as “aunt.”
(Mistaking danger for a friend.)

41. आपन खा के केतना सिखाई
Aapan kha ke ketna sikhai
How much can you learn eating alone?
(Sharing teaches more.)

42. एक त करैला अपने तीत ऊपर से नीम चढ़ल
Ek ta karela apne teet, upar se neem chadhal
Like a bitter gourd climbing a neem tree.
(Something bad made even worse.)

43. धिया ससुरा ना जाली मने मने गाजेली
Dhiya sasura na jaali, mane mane gajeli
The daughter didn’t go to her in-laws, but she still sulks inside.
(Resentment without cause.)

44. चिन्ह ना पहचान मउसी पाँव लागिला
Chinh na pahichan, mausi paav lagila
Without recognizing, you touch someone’s feet calling them “aunt.”
(Respect without knowing the person.)

45. जहाँ गैलि खेहो रानी उहा परे पाथर पानी
Jahan gail kheho rani, uha pare pathar paani
Wherever the queen goes, stones rain down.
(Some people always attract trouble.)

46. कइली ससुरे के तैयारी , गुनवा एकहू ना सिखली
Kaili sasure ke taiyari, gunwa ekahu na sikhli
Prepared for the father-in-law’s arrival but learned no skills.
(All show, no substance.)

47. गाल देबो बजाए सास जइहैं लजाय
Gaal debo bajaye saas, jaihain lajaay
Curse, and the mother-in-law claps while pretending to be shy.
(Fake modesty while enjoying drama.)

48. सास ननद आन के , देवरान जेठान आपन
Saas nanad aan ke, devaran jethan aapan
Mother-in-law and sister-in-law are outsiders; brothers-in-law are one’s own.
(Partiality in extended families.)

49. कोख मांगे गइनी आ मांग गवां के अइनी
Kokh maange gaili, aa maang gawa ke aini
Went to ask for a child, came back losing the womb.
(Losing more than you sought.)

50. हमरे घरे अइबा त का का लिइयबा, तोहरे घरे आइब त का का खिइयबा
Hamre ghare aiba ta ka ka liyiaba, tohre ghare aib ta ka ka khiyiaba
When you visit my home, what will you take? When I visit yours, what will you feed me?
(Relationships are give-and-take.)

51. गज ना हारेम आ थान हार जाएम
Gaj na harem, aa thaan haar jaem
Won’t lose the elephant, but will lose the rope.
(Saving the big thing but losing the small essential.)

52. घर के मुरगी दाल बरोबर
Ghar ke murgi daal barobar
The home chicken is equal to lentils.
(Common things are undervalued.)

53. जइसन उदई ओइसन भान, इनका पोछ ना उनका कान
Jaisan udai oisan bhaan, inka poch na unka kaan
As the sunrise, so the sunset — neither wipes the other’s tail nor ears.
(No help from either side.)

54. आन्हर कुकुर बतासे भोंके
Aanhra kukur batase bhonke
A blind dog barks at the wind.
(Acting without knowing the cause.)

55. जेतना के बाबू ना ओतना के झूनझूना
Jetna ke babu na, otna ke jhunjhuna
No baby, but has a rattle.
(Have the accessory without the need.)

56. भूल गएन गीत रंग भूल गएन किंगरी तीन चीज़ याद रहा नोन तेल लकड़ी
Bhool gayen geet rang, bhool gayen kingri, teen cheez yaad raha non tel lakdi
Forgot the song and instrument, but remembered salt, oil, and firewood.
(Forgot the main thing, remembered the side things.)

57. नाम बा समंदर सिंह पानी एक बूंदों ना
Naam ba Samandar Singh, paani ek boondon na
Name is “Ocean Lion” but not a drop of water.
(Big name, no substance.)

58. खात रहेन दूध भात चरावत रहेन गइया नौकरी कै साध लाग भीख देव मइया
Khaat rahein doodh bhaat, charawat rahein gaiya, naukri ke saadh laag, bhikh dev Maiya
Ate milk and rice, tended cows, wanted a job, prayed for alms.
(From comfort to desperation.)

59. देवर कै देवरानी जौ भली होयँ जेठानी तौ जोगवें आपन पानी
Devar ke devarani, jo bhali hoy jethani, tau jogwein aapan paani
If the younger brother’s wife is good to the elder sister-in-law, her honor is saved.
(Good relations protect dignity.)

60. हंसुआ के विआह और खुरपी के गीत
Hansua ke vyah aur khurpi ke geet
Marriage of the sickle, songs of the hoe.
(Wrong pairing of things.)

61. जेकर ईसर अइसन अोकर दलीदर कइसन
Jekar isar aisan, okar dalidar kaisan
If God is like this, what will poverty be like?
(If the higher power is flawed, worse is expected below.)

62. माँ गुन बछड़ा पिता गुन घोड़। ढेर नही तो थोरे थोर
Maa gun bachhra, pita gun ghod. Dher nahi to thore thor
The calf has mother’s traits, the horse has father’s — if not much, at least a little.
(Children inherit from parents.)

63. चाचा चोर, भतीजा पाजी। चाचा के सर पे, जूता बाजी
Chacha chor, bhanija paaji. Chacha ke sir pe, joota baaji
Uncle is a thief, nephew is a scoundrel; uncle gets the shoes thrown.
(Elder takes the blame for younger’s deeds.)

64. सुप तो सुप चलनियो बोले ,जामे बहत्तर छेद
Sup to sup, chalniyo bole, jaame bahattar chhed
The sieve mocks the winnowing basket, though it has seventy-two holes.
(Hypocrite criticizing others.)

65. रस्सी जर गईल ऐंठन ना गईल
Rassi jar gail, ainthan na gail
The rope burnt, but the twist remained.
(Nature doesn’t change easily.)

66. थोथा चना बाजे घना।
Thotha chana baje ghana
Empty gram rattles loudly.
(Empty vessels make the most noise.)

67. सुपवा हँसे चलनिया, पर जेकरा मे सत्तर गो छेद
Supwa hanse chalaniya, par jekara me sattar go chhed
The winnow laughs at the sieve, though it has seventy holes.
(Finding faults while having your own.)

68. बइठल बनिया का करे, ए कोठी के धान ऊ कोठि धरे
Baithal baniya ka kare, e kothi ke dhaan, oo kothi dhare
What does the idle merchant do? Moves grain from one bin to another.
(Pointless busywork.)

69. केहू हीरा चोर, केहू खीरा चोर
Kehu heera chor, kehu kheera chor
Some steal diamonds, some cucumbers.
(Theft is theft, big or small.)

70. ओढे के मिले ना, आ दरी बिछौना
Odhe ke mile na, aa dari bichhaona
No quilt to cover, but spreads a mat.
(Wrong priorities.)

71. काम के ना काज के दुश्मन अनाज के
Kaam ke na, kaaj ke dushman anaaj ke
Good for no work, enemy of the food.
(Useless but still harmful.)

72. खाए के हययै नाए नाहे के तड़के
Khaaye ke hayye, naaye naah ke tadke
Eats heartily, but avoids bathing.
(Loves comfort, avoids effort.)

73. दुधारू गाय के लातो भला।
Dudhaaru gaay ke laato bhala
A milking cow kicks is worth it.
(Useful people can still be troublesome.)

74. बाढै पूत पिता के कर्ममे खेती उपजे‌ अपने करमे
Badhai poot pita ke karme, kheti upje apne karme
A son grows by father’s deeds; crops grow by farmer’s work.
(Both heritage and self-effort matter.)

75. आगे खेती आगे आगे, पाछे खेती भागे जोगे।
Aage kheti aage aage, pichhe kheti bhaage joge
If the front field grows, the back prospers too.
(One success can lead to another.)

76. लजाईल लइका डोढी टोए
Lajail laika dodhi toe
A shy boy touches his beard.
(People have nervous habits when shy.)

77. मुह नियन मुह ना, आ घर डुमराँव
Muh niyan muh na, aa ghar Dumraon
A face that’s not like a face, and a house like Dumraon.
(Ugly face but showing off wealth.)

78. जग जितलु ए कानी, बर उठस त जानीं
Jag jitlu e kaani, bar uthas ta jani
The one-eyed man claims to conquer the world; let him stand and we’ll see.
(Boasting without proof.)

79. आँख के अंधा नाम नयन सुख
Aankh ke andha, naam Nayan Sukh
Blind man named “Eye Comfort.”
(Name opposite to reality.)

80. पूत कपूत त का धन संचय पूत सपुत त का धन संचय
Poot kapoot ta ka dhan sanchay, poot sapoot ta ka dhan sanchay
If the son is bad, why save wealth; if he’s good, why save wealth?
(Wealth has no use in either case.)

81. सरल गाय बाभन् के दान
Sarl gaay babhan ke daan
A gentle cow is given to the Brahmin.
(Good things often go to others.)

82. जवन बांस के बांसबसौरा उहे बांस के कलसुप दउरा।
Jawan baans ke baansbasora, uhe baans ke kalsup daura
From the same bamboo comes the basket and the fan.
(Same source can produce different things.)

83. ई कूकुर दूबर काहे? दू गो घर के आवाजाही
Ee kukur doobar kahe? Do go ghar ke aawajahi
Why is the dog thin? It goes to two houses.
(Divided loyalty weakens you.)

84. बेटी के माइये रानी और बूढ़े समय भरे पानी
Beti ke maaiye rani, aur boodhe samay bhare paani
Daughter’s mother is queen in youth, tears in old age.
(Affection changes with circumstances.)

85. पइसा ना कउड़ी बीच बाजार में दौड़ा–दौड़ी
Paisa na kaudi, beech bazaar me dauda-daudi
No money, but running around in the market.
(Showing off without means.)

86. खाए के ठेकान ना, नहाये के तड़के
Khaye ke thekaan na, nahaaye ke tadke
No fixed place to eat, but insists on a morning bath.
(Wrong priorities.)

87. राम मिलावे जोड़ी एगो आन्हर एगो कोढ़ी
Ram milave jodi, ego aanhra ego kodhi
God matched a blind person with a leper.
(Sometimes fate pairs two equally unfortunate people.)

88. सब धन बाईसे पसेरी
Sab dhan baisay paseri
All wealth measured as twenty-two seers.
(Overstating value beyond the norm.)

89. अबरा के मउगी, भर घर के भउजी
Abra ke maugi, bhar ghar ke bhauji
Widow’s wife is everyone’s sister-in-law.
(Vulnerable women are taken lightly by all.)

90. चिरईं के जान जाए, लईका के खेलवना
Chirai ke jaan jaaye, laika ke khelwana
Bird dies while a child plays with it.
(Someone’s loss is another’s gain.)

91. जेकर बनरी उहे नचावे, दोसर नचावे त काटे धावे
Jekar banri uhe nachawe, dosar nachawe ta kaate dhawe
The owner’s monkey dances; if another makes it dance, it bites.
(People accept control only from their own.)

92. बिना मन के बियाह, कनपटिए सेनुर
Bina man ke biyah, kanpatiye senur
Unwilling marriage, vermilion slapped on temple.
(Forced situation shows in attitude.)

93. हंसले घर बसेला
Hansle ghar basela
A laughing home is a happy home.
(Joy keeps a family together.)

94. पूत भतार अक्षइत ,डग देना हेन बेना
Poot bhatar akshat, dag dena hen bena
Son and husband safe, yet wife wails.
(Complains even when all is well.)

95. फूल लेखा फूला, आ पूरइन लेखा पसर
Phool lekha phoola, aa poorin lekha pasar
Bloom like a flower, spread like a lotus.
(Be beautiful and widely loved.)

96. सरल सास अंगरल पतोह, बिन कड़िहर के ननद मोर
Sarl saas angarl patoh, bin kadihar ke nanad mor
Gentle mother-in-law with fiery daughter-in-law; sister-in-law without bangles is mine.
(Family roles often have irony.)

97. खाये के बेटी लुटे के दामाद आ हाड़ गोड़ पड़ले त बेटा के बोलाव
Khaye ke beti, luttke damad, aa haad god padle ta beta ke bolaav
Feed the daughter, let the son-in-law loot, but in trouble, call the son.
(In crisis, only your own will help.)

98. बकरी के भुख लागी पतई चबाई आदमी के भुख लागी अपने से खाई
Bakri ke bhukh lagi, patai chabai; aadmi ke bhukh lagi, apne se khai
When a goat is hungry, it eats leaves; when a man is hungry, he eats his own.
(Humans can turn on each other in desperation.)

99. साध लागल लंगड़ो ,देवाल फानेली
Saadh lagal langdo, dewal phaneli
Lame man gets inspired and tries to climb the wall.
(Overestimating one’s ability.)

100. उठ सासू सांस ल ढेंका छोड़ जात ल
Uth saasu saans le, dhenka chhod jaat le
Mother-in-law gets up for a breath, leaves the grain pounder behind.
(Quit in the middle of work.)

101. केकरा प करीं हम सिंगार, पिया मोरे आन्हर।
Kekra pe karein ham singar, piya more aanhra
Whom should I dress up for when my husband is blind?
(No point in impressing the one who can’t see it.)

102. छछुनर के सिर प चमेली के तेल।
Chhachhunar ke sir pe chameli ke tel
Jasmine oil on a mole’s head.
(Wasting luxury on the undeserving.)

103. मुअला पुत के बड़ बड़ आंख।
Muala put ke bad bad aankh
A dead son’s big eyes.
(Praising something when it’s useless.)

104. लंगटा नचले तीन कोना
Langta nachle teen kona
A naked man dances in three corners.
(The shameless will show off anywhere.)

105. बरसात में छत बदलल, जाड़ा में लुग्गा बेचल।

Barsaat me chhat badalal, jaada me lugga bechal
Changed the roof in the rains, sold the blanket in winter.
(Doing important things at the worst time.)

106. चूल्हा ठंडा, मुंह गरम।
Chulha thanda, muh garam
Stove is cold, mouth is hot.
(All talk, no action.)

107. खेत खाली, गप्प भारी।
Khet khaali, gapp bhaari
Field is empty, but gossip is full.
(People with no work talk the most.)

108. बकरी के गला में घंटी, बिल्ली के मन में दावत।
Bakri ke gala me ghanti, billi ke man me daawat
Bell on goat’s neck, feast in cat’s mind.
(The victim is marked before the attack.)

109. जेकर घर में दीया ना, ऊ चलल चाँद खरीदले।
Jekar ghar me diya na, oo challal chaand kharidle
Doesn’t have a lamp at home, goes to buy the moon.
(Aiming for the impossible while neglecting basics.)

110. बरतन चमकल, पेट घुटकल।
Bartan chamkal, pet ghutkal
Utensils shine, stomach stays empty.
(Show-off while in need.)

111. नून ना तेल, लेकिन नाच देखल जरूरी।
Noon na tel, lekin naach dekhal jaruri
No salt, no oil, but must watch the dance.
(Priorities gone wrong.)

112. खेत पटा, मन कटा।
Khet pata, man kata
Field is sown, heart is broken.
(Having progress in one area while suffering in another.)

113. कुत्ता भौंके, हाथी चले।
Kutta bhonke, haathi chale
Dog barks, elephant walks.
(The great don’t get disturbed by petty noise.)

114. नाव किनारे, पतवार मंहगे।
Naav kinaare, patwaar mahange
Boat is at shore, but oars are costly.
(Something essential is too expensive to use.)

115. माछी के हाथ में मछली, फिरो सोच में पड़ी।
Machhi ke haath me machhli, phirau soch me padi
Fish in fisherman’s hand, still wondering what to do.
(Hesitating even when you have the opportunity.)

116. बड़का टोपी, छोटका सर।
Barka topi, chhotka sar
Big hat, small head.
(Trying to take on more than you can handle.)

117. काग के मुंह में गुड़।
Kaag ke muh me gud
Jaggery in a crow’s beak.
(Tempting someone untrustworthy.)

118. भैंस पोखर में, मालिक शहर में।
Bhains pokhar me, maalik shahar me
Buffalo in the pond, owner in the city.
(Not looking after what’s yours.)

119. बरगद के छाँव में तुलसी के पौधा।
Bargad ke chhaav me tulsi ke paudha
Tulsi plant under banyan’s shade.
(Something good growing in the wrong place.)

120. धोबी का गधा, घर का ना घाट का।
Dhobi ka gadha, ghar ka na ghat ka
The washerman’s donkey — belongs neither at home nor at the riverbank.
(Not belonging anywhere.)

121. खाली मटकी, दूर से बजे।
Khaali matki, door se baje
Empty pot makes noise from afar.
(People with little substance make the most noise.)

122. गेहूं के साथ घुन पीसाई।
Gehu ke saath ghun pisai
Along with the wheat, the weevil gets ground too.
(The innocent suffer with the guilty.)

123. बकरा भी जिंदा, छुरी भी तेज।
Bakra bhi zinda, chhuri bhi tez
Goat is alive, knife is sharp.
(A tense situation where trouble is inevitable.)

124. आधा तीतर, आधा बटेर।
Aadha teetar, aadha bater
Half partridge, half quail.
(A mix that’s neither here nor there.)

125. पंछी के पर, लेकिन पिंजरे में।
Panchhi ke par, lekin pinjre me
Bird has wings, but is in a cage.
(Having potential but no freedom.)