Kannada is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly in the Indian state of Karnataka. Like any language, Kannada has its own set of idioms and proverbs that are regularly used in day-to-day conversation. Here are some common Kannada idioms and proverbs with their meanings and example sentences.
aata kannu hidiyōdantha
This idiom translates to “playing a game with a blindfold on.” It’s often used when a task is done without understanding the situation fully.
Adhunika technology yalli aata kannu hidiyōdantha kelasa madabaradu anta avaru helidaru. (He said we should not work in modern technology with a blindfold on.)
banna hotta baayige batta
It literally means “putting a scarecrow to guard a field,” which refers to assigning a task to someone who is incapable of doing it.
Ava avanige mahatvada kayaka hidiyisidalu adu banna hotta baayige batta ittu hage. (Her assigning him an important task was like putting a scarecrow to guard a field.)
banda mele sakkare padisuvavaru
This proverb translates to “they will pour sugar once you arrive,” implying that some people will speak sweetly only in someone’s presence.
Avanu bartaane andre banda mele sakkare padisuvavaru ellaroo namage gottu. (We all know that they pour sugar once he comes.)
halli jana gudda nodu
This means “a village person looking at a hill,” which is used to describe someone who is naive or inexperienced.
Sanchar madalu halli jana gudda nodu anthaithu avalu. (She was naive when it came to traveling, like a village person looking at a hill.)
Huli mundhe naari
An idiom that translates to “in front of the tiger, a fox,” used to describe a situation where a weaker person faces a much stronger opponent.
Exam hall nalli Huli mundhe naari aagbitte anta avanu complain madida. (He complained that in the exam hall, he felt like a fox in front of a tiger.)
onde ondu kathe
This proverb means “one story,” which is commonly used to describe a situation or problem that always has the same outcome or theme.
Avaru maaduva tappe onde ondu kathe anta janaru helikollutare. (People say the mistakes he makes are all the same story.)
oota aita, naota illa
Translating to “meal is over, but not the banana leaf,” this is used when the main part of an event is over, but its effects are still felt.
Project mugidru, adara oota aita, naota illa antha todae odadutide. (The project is finished, but it’s like the meal is over and the banana leaf is not yet removed; the effects linger.)
patha belli, hosa chelli
The literal meaning is “old wife, new sister-in-law,” often uttered to express the changing dynamics in relationships when someone new comes into the picture.
Avanu maduve aada aamele mane patha belli, hosa chelli aythu. (After he got married, the household dynamics turned into ‘old wife, new sister-in-law.’)
Thaaliyakke helida haage
This translates as “like what is told to the palm,” meaning something said in confidence or that what is instructed will be followed diligently.
Avalu nanage helida maathu thaaliyakke helida haage paalisuttene. (I am following her words as if they were told to the palm.)
Understanding and using these idioms and proverbs can enrich your Kannada conversations and help you to connect more deeply with the culture. As with any language, idioms and proverbs add color and depth to communication, giving insights into cultural values and thought processes.
