ಕನ್ನಡ ಗಾದೆಗಳು [Kannada Proverbs | Kannada Gaadegalu] With English Explanation

Meaning of  Gadegalu : a short, well-known pithy saying, stating a general truth or piece of advice from ancestor most of the gadegalu are made up from experience and have a meaning in it basically kannada gadegalu length are small.

Following are some of the most famous Kannada proverbs explained in english.

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Haasige Iddashtu Kaalu Chaachu
ಹಾಸಿಗೆ ಇದ್ದಷ್ಟು ಕಾಲು ಚಾಚು

Literal Meaning - "Stretch your legs only as much as the cot allows you to".

This Gaade is used to highlight the importance of moderation in one's life style. If one stretches his or her legs beyond the cot, then discomfort is guaranteed. Similarly, one should spend money only within one's capabilities. The same applies to indulgence in any other matter. We should stick to our limits is the moral of this Gaade.

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Moorti chikkadaadaru keerthi doddadu
ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಚಿಕ್ಕದಾದರು ಕೀರ್ತಿ ದೊಡ್ಡದು

Literal Meaning - "Even if the physical form is small, the fame is big"

This Gaade is used in situations where we find some one short in height having achieved something significant. Whenever a short or small man does something significant, this Gaade is typically used. Sometimes this Gaade is also used with a negative connotation indicating that the small person is up to something fishy.

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Beeso DoNne Tappisi Kondare Saavira Varusha Aayassu
ಬೀಸೋ ದೊಣ್ಣೆ ತಪ್ಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡರೆ ಸಾವಿರ ವರುಷ ಆಯಸ್ಸು

Literal Meaning - "If you escape from the stick being waved at you, you will live a thousand years"

This Gaade is used to indicate that sometimes situation so demands that escaping from a current problem is most important and a feeling that every thing else can be handled if this single issue is resolved arises. People sometimes say - "I just need to get out of this mess. I will settle everything else and handle any other challenge successfully". This Gaade aptly describes such situations.

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baDavara mane ooTa chenna doDDavara mane nOTa chenna
ಬಡವರ ಮನೆ ಊಟ ಚೆನ್ನ ದೊಡ್ಡವರ ಮನೆ ನೋಟ ಚೆನ್ನ

Literal Meaning - "The food in a poor man's home is tasty; while the rich man's home is nice to look at"

This Gaade is used to highlight the fact that hospitality and friendliness have nothing in relation to money and position. A poor man treats guests well and feeds them good while a rich man may be interested in only building upon his wealth and displaying it.

This Gaade is used in situations when a wealthy man "shows off" his wealth or when one receives good treatment from a poor man.

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MaaDodella Anachaara Mane Munde Brindavana
ಮಾಡೋದೆಲ್ಲಾ ಅನಾಚಾರ ಮನೆ ಮುಂದೆ ಬೃಂದಾವನ

Literal Meaning - "One does all kinds of wrong deeds, but has got a Brindavana in front of the house"

Brindavana means abode of God. It is also the pot in which the sacred tulsi plant is grown. It is a symbol of pious living and practice. This Gaade is used to highlight the double natured living of some people whereby they perform all kinds of evil deeds and actions but put up the face of an innocent person.

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ALiya ALLa MagaLa Ganda
ಆಳಿಯ ಅಲ್ಲ ಮಗಳ ಗಂಡ

Literal Meaning - "He is not my son-in-law, but my daughter's husband"

This gaade is used to highlight the ability of some people to twist and turn their narration to mean the same thing but say it in different words. Essentially, this is used to highlight the ability of some people to play around with words.

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Ibbara JagaLa Mooraneyanavanige Laabha
ಇಬ್ಬರ ಜಗಳದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂರನೆಯವರಿಗೆ ಲಾಭ

Literal meaning - "In a fight between two, the third person benefitted"

This is used to highlight the problems with fighting and the fact that the parties involved in the fight almost always lose out and some rank outsider stands to gain. Used to highlight the importance of not fighting.

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Ganda Hendira JagaLadalli Koosu Badavaayithu
ಗಂಡ ಹೆಂಡಿರ ಜಗಳದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೂಸು ಬಡವಾಯಿತು

Literal Meaning - "In the fight between husband and wife, the child became weak"

This is used to highlight the fact that in situations where people need to co-operate and work together, if they end up fighting, then the intended beneficiary is affected. Also used to indicate that when two people fight, a third, related party could suffer.

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Athiyaadare Amruthavoo Visha
ಅತಿಯಾದರೆ ಅಮೃತವೂ ವಿಷ

Literal Meaning - "If taken in excess, even Amrutha (divine nectar) is poison".

This Gaade is used to stress the importance of moderation in life. Even good things are bad if found or used in excess. If one is overly humble, people can exploit such a person. If one overeats, one can become obese and lose health. Many other such examples can be found in real life and this Gaade highlights the same fact.

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Akki MeLe Aase Nenatara MeLe Preeti
ಅಕ್ಕಿ ಮೇಲೆ ಆಸೆ ನೆಂಟರ ಮೇಲೆ ಪ್ರೀತಿ

Literal meaning - "Desire over rice; love over relatives". If one does not like to spend the rice he has at home but is equally interested in serving his guests/relatives well, one faces a dilemma.

This is used to describe the dilemma that people sometimes face when they have to give up something they like in order to obtain another item. When the both the objects are nice to have but only one can be had, the dilemma one faces is describe with this Gaade.

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Haavu Sayolla Kolu Muriyalla
ಹಾವು ಸಾಯೋಲ್ಲ ಕೋಲು ಮುರಿಯೋಲ್ಲ

Literal meaning : " Neither the Snake dies nor the stick breaks"

This is used to indicate when there is an impasse on any issue and it doesn't get solved when the same actions/strategy is employed repeatedly without any progress. One is expected to kill the snake with the stick. But if you keep on beating ineffectively without killing the snake its waste of time/effort.

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Ganda Hendira Jagala Vundu Malaguva Thanaka
ಗಂಡ ಹೆಂಡಿರ ಜಗಳ ಉಂಡು ಮಲಗುವ ತನಕ

Literal meaning : "The fight between Husband and wife is temporary and always ends before they have dinner and go to bed"

This is used to indicate that two people can have all kind of fights and differences. But at end of the day they forget, patch up and continue thier life.

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Huttu GuNa Suttaru Hogalla
ಹುಟ್ಟು ಗುಣ ಸುಟ್ಟರೂ ಹೋಗೋಲ್ಲ

Literal meaning – “That quality which comes by birth does not go away even when burnt (when the person dies)”

This is used when we come across some people who have certain habits which they never change. Also used to indicate the evil present in a person by attributing it to be have been engrained in him.

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Uppu Thinda Mele Neeru Kudiyale Baeku
ಉಪ್ಪು ತಿಂದ ಮೇಲೆ ನೀರು ಕುಡಿಯಲೇ ಬೇಕು

Literal meaning – “If you have salt, you have to drink water”

This is similar to the saying “As you sow, so you reap”. Its used to highlight the consequences of one’s actions. Bad actions are always guaranteed to bring about negative results.

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beLLagirOdella haalalla
ಬೆಳ್ಳಗಿರೋದೆಲ್ಲ ಹಾಲಲ್ಲ

Literal meaning - "All that is white is not milk"

This is used to highlight the importance of not taking things at face value. A person cannot be judged purely based on how he appears. True character will come out only upon close inspection and thought.

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vEda suLLaadaru gaade suLLaagadu
ವೇದ ಸುಳ್ಳಾದರು ಗಾದೆ ಸುಳ್ಳಾಗದು

Literal meaning - "Even if the holy scriptures are wrong, wise sayings can never be wrong".

This one is used to highlight the depth of knowledge and experience that "sayings" possess. Since they have come alive due to practical experiences and intellect of our forefathers, they possess tremendous relevance even to this day.

Note: Thanks to MadhuSimha, I am now able to post the titles in Kannada as well. Enjoy!!

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Ati Aase Gati Kaedu
ಅತಿ ಆಸೆ ಗತಿ ಕೇಡು

Literal meaning - "Too much desire will lead to disaster"

This is of course one of the oldest sayings and is used to advise people against too much greed. This promotes the concept of simple living and control over desires.

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Yeradu Kai Saeridrene ChappaaLe
ಎರಡು ಕೈ ಸೇರಿದ್ರೇನೆ ಚಪ್ಪಾಳೆ

Literal meaning - "Only if both hands join together, can we clap"

This is used to describe situations where we sought the co-operation of someone else in completing the job and is used to indicate that only with their help, the task can be accomplished.

Also used in situations where something bad has occurred between two people and both have had a role to play in spoiling it.

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Rogi Bayasiddu Haalu Anna Vaidya HeLiddu Haalu Anna
ರೋಗಿ ಬಯಸಿದ್ದು ಹಾಲು ಅನ್ನ ವೈದ್ಯ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದು ಹಾಲು ಅನ್ನ

Literal meaning - "The patient wanted milk and rice and the doctor prescribed milk and rice".

This is used in situations when the thoughts of two people match, especially when one of them desires something which the other can provide. More casually, this can be used when one gets what he wants.

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Shiva Poojeli Karadi Banda Haage
ಶಿವ ಪೂಜೆಲಿ ಕರಡಿ ಬಂದ ಹಾಗೆ

Literal meaning - "Like the bear which appeared during God's worship".

This is used to point to someone that he/she is an intruder or an unwanted guest in something. This saying has its equivalent in almost all languages, with the Hindi version "Kabaab Mein Haddi..." being the most famous.

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Baeleenay Eddu Hola Meythu
ಬೇಲೀನೇ ಎದ್ದು ಹೊಲ ಮೇಯ್ತು

Literal meaning - "The fence itself grazed the grass"

This is commonly used to indicate when someone who is championing a cause acts contrary to it. For example, if the caretaker of an item destroys it, this saying becomes appropriate.

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Aaru Kaasu Kotre Atte Kade Mooru Kaasu Kotre Sose Kade
ಆರು ಕೊಟ್ರೆ ಅತ್ತೆ ಕಡೆ ಮೂರು ಕೊಟ್ರೆ ಸೊಸೆ ಕಡೆ 

Literal meaning - "If given 6 cents, he will side with the mother-in-law while if given 3 cents, he will side with the daughter-in-law".

Essentially, this is used to describe someone showing the beige color syndrome. This saying perfectly describes fence-sitters who seem to jump sides at the drop of a hat and never seem to have a standing of their own.

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HaLoorige ULidavane Gowda
ಹಾಳೂರಿಗೆ ಉಳಿದವನೇ ಗೌಡ

Literal meaning - "In a ruined village, whoever remains becomes the chieftain"

This is used on ocassions where someone has reached a position or assumed a role by default as there are no other contenders/candidates available. Also used in situations when no one is interested in a position and hence the only one remaining dons the mantle.

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Hosa Vaidyanigintha HaLe Rogine Vaasi
ಹೊಸ ವೈದ್ಯನಿಗಿಂತ ಹಳೆ ರೋಗಿನೆ ವಾಸಿ 

Literal meaning - "An experienced patient is better than a new doctor".

This one is of course used in scenarios where experience, rather than qualification, plays a hand in handling a situation. One of the most widely used Gaades in Kannada.

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Sankata Bandaaga Venkataramana
ಸಂಕಟ ಬಂದಾಗ ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣ

Literal meaning - "When there is a calamity, you think of Venkataramana (God)"

This is used when we find people remembering God and praying to God only during troubled times and conveniently ignoring our duties towards God when things are fine. This can also be used if someone approaches an individual seeking help but ignoring the person at other times.

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Koti Taanu Kedodalde Vananella Kedasthu
ಕೋತಿ ತಾನು ಕೆಡೋದಲ್ಲದೆ ವನಾನೆಲ್ಲ ಕೆಡುಸ್ತು

Literal meaning - "The monkey not only spoils itself, it also spoils the entire forest".

This is used whenever one is found influencing his or her way on others. Especially if the influence happens to be a negative one. For example, if someone passes on a cigarette to his/her friend and encourages smoking, this quotation can be used to describe the situation.

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Hoovina Jote Naaru Swargakke Hoytu
ಹೂವಿನ ಜೊತೆ ನಾರು ಸ್ವರ್ಗಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಯ್ತು 

Literal meaning - "Along with the flowers, the thread also made its way to heaven".

This one is used to indicate that someone free-rode his/her way to a benefit while the actual effort was by someone else. Trivial example - when someone just proof-reads a paper and gets credited as a co-author. Ok - bad example...but helps in appreciating the quotation!

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Kaamaale Kannige Kaanodella HaLadi
ಕಾಮಾಲೆ ಕಣ್ಣಿಗೆ ಕಾಣೋದೆಲ್ಲ ಹಳದಿ

Literal meaning - "For one who has (suffering from) Jaundice, everything appears yellow"

This is used to describe a person who has a very narrow viewpoint on a certain matter and refuses to _see_ any other point of view. Mostly used when that viewpoint is pessimistic and negative. For example, if someone smells a conspiracy in everything or if someone alleges wrong doing on somebody, this quotation is used.

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Yaardo Duddu Yellamana Jaatre
ಯಾರ್ದೋ ದುಡ್ಡು ಎಲ್ಲಮ್ಮ ಜಾತ್ರೆ

Literal meaning - "Not sure whose money it is, but the (Lord's) festival is happening"

This one is used when we find someone spending lavishly or consuming a resource without care just because it belongs to someone else. For example, its used when someone orders an exotic dish at a restaurant just because someone else is footing the bill.

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Hittala Gida Maddalla
ಹಿತ್ತಲ ಗಿಡ ಮದ್ದಲ್ಲ

Literal meaning - "The plant growing in the backyard is not medicine".

This one is used mostly in situations where external advice or guidance is what finally convinces one about something while all the internal efforts failed. For example, if someone refuses to listen to the advice of parents or relatives on a topic and then accepts the same advice from an outsider, this saying is used to describe the situation.

This is also sometimes used when home treatment doesn't work for anillness and medical advice is required.

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Shanka Dinda Bidrene Theertha
ಶಂಖದಿಂದ ಬಿದ್ರೆನೇ ತೀರ್ಥ 

Literal meaning - "Its considered holy water only if it falls from the conch".

According to the hindu religion, water poured from a conch on to God's idol is considered holy water and nothing else comes close to it. Hence this saying is used on ocassions when people need a mouthful from the right authority to make them realize or do something. Used to emphasize the fact that right authority always has its effect.

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Manasiddare Maarga
ಮನಸಿದ್ದರೆ ಮಾರ್ಗ

Literal meaning - "If you have the intentions, there is always a way"

This is of course the kannada equivalent of "Where there is a will,
there is a way". Used to encourage one to pick up a challenging task.

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Hallu Iddavanige Kadle Illa Kadle Iddavanige Hallu Illa
ಹಲ್ಲು ಇದ್ದವನಿಗೆ ಕಡಲೆ ಇಲ್ಲ ಕಡಲೆ ಇದ್ದವನಿಗೆ ಹಲ್ಲಿಲ್ಲ

Literal meaning - "One who has teeth does not have peanuts to eat
while the one who has peanuts does not have teeth"

This is used to describe situations where different people crave for
different things based on what they lack. It is used to indicate the
paradox of life.

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Attege Ondu Kaala Sosege Ondu Kaala
ಅತ್ತೆಗೆ ಒಂದು ಕಾಲ ಸೊಸೆಗೆ ಒಂದು ಕಾಲ

Literal meaning - "If its the mother-in-law's time now, then the daughter-in-law will also have her day".

This is roughly equivalent to "Every Dog has its day" and is used to indicate that every person will get his or her chance some day.

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Jatti Jaari Bidru Meese MannaagaLilla
ಜಟ್ಟಿ ಜಾರಿ ಬಿದ್ರೂ ಮೀಸೆ ಮಣ್ಣಾಗಲಿಲ್ಲ

Literal meaning - "Even though the wrestler/heavyweight slipped and fell down, his moustache was not soiled one bit".

This is used mostly as a sarcastic remark against people who hold their position on a topic (and make an excuse) even when they have been exposed on their stance.

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Tumbida Koda TuLukolla
ತುಂಬಿದ ಕೊಡ ತುಳುಕೋಲ್ಲಾ

Literal meaning - "A pot which is full (of water) does not spill-over".

This is used to whenever we find someone who is rich (or famous) yet very humble and down-to-earth.

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Tanna Yeleli Katte Biddidru Pakkada Yele Nona Odisthane
ತನ್ನ ಎಲೇಲಿ ಕತ್ತೆ ಬಿದ್ದಿದ್ರೂ ಪಕ್ಕದ ಎಲೇಲಿ ನೊಣ ಓಡಿಸ್ತಾನೆ

Literal Meaning - "Though he has a donkey on his plate, he is trying to shoo away the fly on the neighbour's plate".

Used in cases where people point out mistakes in others when they themselves have huge and glaring deficiencies in them.

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Alpanige Aishwarya Bandre Ardha Raatrili Kode Hidida
ಅಲ್ಪನಿಗೆ ಐಶ್ವರ್ಯ ಬಂದ್ರೆ ಅರ್ಧ ರಾತ್ರೀಲಿ ಕೊಡೆ ಹಿಡಿದ

Literal Meaning - "If a lowly person gets a lot of wealth, he starts using an umbrella (to protect himself from heat) in the middle of the night".

This saying is used to highlight the pompiness that some people suddenly display upon a change of their financial or social status.

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Haadidde Haado Kisubai Daasa
ಹಾಡಿದ್ದೇ ಹಾಡೋ ಕಿಸುಬಾಯಿ ದಾಸ

Literal meaning - "Keep singing the same tunes - O Singer". 

It is used on ocassions when someone keeps blabbering the same thing repeatedly. Such a person is compared with the "Daasas" who sing the same tune over and over again.

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Irulu Kanda Bhaavige Hagalu Beela Baaradu
ಇರುಳು ಕಂಡ ಬಾವಿಗೆ ಹಗಲು ಬೀಳಬಾರದು

Literal meaning - "Don't fall into a well during day when you had spotted the same during night(dark)".

This is used in cases where in people attempt to do things which are very obviously inappropriate and the same person had seen enough reason not to do it some time earlier.

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Maadidunno Maharaaya
ಮಾಡಿದ್ದುಣ್ಣೋ ಮಹರಾಯ

Literal meaning - "You get to eat what you have prepared". 

This is equivalent to "As you sow, so you reap" so the meaning is pretty obvious.

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Kai Kesaraadare Bai Mosaru
ಕೈ ಕೆಸರಾದರೆ ಬಾಯಿ ಮೊಸರು

This means that if you work hard, then you will reap the benefits in terms of riches. The literal translation means that if you dirty your hands (by working hard), your mouth will be full.

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Taalidavanu Baaliyaanu
ತಾಳಿದವನು ಬಾಳಿಯಾನು 

Literal meaning - "He who waits lives well"

Effectively means "Patience Pays". Typically used in situations where one has messed up due to hurrying up over something.

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Hosadaralli Agasa Goni Etthi Etthi Ogada
ಹೊಸದರಲ್ಲಿ ಅಗಸ ಗೋಣಿ ಎತ್ತಿ ಎತ್ತಿ ಒಗೆದ

Literal meaning - "A new washerman shows great energy and washes clothes with all his might" 

Used to describe the initial enthusiasm shown by one in any new task. Used in situations where one is overexcited and all pumped when doing a new task. Used to warn people that most often the drive fades off.