Continued Wisdom through Proverbs
Culture 101: Unpacking Local Sayings.
Hello Everyone!
As we explore different cultures, don’t you find that proverbs shape the way we see the world? They offer a glimpse into shared human experiences. Here are some that may resonate with you as well.
Literal Saying: War after, punch remembered.
After the war, one remembers how to punch!
Meaning: This is an Urdu saying to describe a situation where someone remembers how to punch (or even that they should have fought) long after the battle is over—when their actions can no longer make a difference. In some cases, it may be an attempt to save face, pretending to be brave after the moment has passed. Other times, it simply reflects a slow reaction!
Usage: A humorous way to refer to someone who, either deliberately or through oversight, missed an important moment to act and then tries to compensate when it no longer matters. It can also mock false bravado—when someone acts tough only after the danger is gone. It is perfect for situations where you fail to defend yourself convincingly in a work meeting or a school argument, only to think of the perfect zinger days later.
Literal Saying: Stranger’s wedding, Abdullah mad.
Abdullah went crazy at a stranger’s wedding
Meaning: This is an Urdu saying that humorously points out when someone becomes overly invested in a situation that has nothing to do with them. "Abdullah" is a placeholder name, similar to “Tom” in English.
Usage: Used to make fun of someone who is behaving out of proportion or getting unnecessarily involved in something that doesn’t concern them.
Literal Saying: My cat, to me, meow meow?
My own cat, and meowing at me?
Meaning: A popular Hindi saying. Not quite ‘preaching to the choir,’ but rather about telling an expert something they already know—or worse, teaching someone about an idea that originated from them. Doing this can come across as showy, presumptuous, or even disrespectful. Hence, a way to depress (or deflate) pretensions.
Usage: Humourous uses. Between friends, in banter, especially when friend C confidently offers a solution to friend B, even though B was the one who originally shared it in the group a while ago. In more serious situations, it can be used when someone—though a novice—tries to upstage you using techniques you may be known to have taught them/others.
Literal Saying: Face on, Ram, side in, knife.
Speaks of Ram (God) but carries a knife, ready to stab you.
Meaning: Someone may appear saintly or godly but carries a hidden knife by their side - literally, under their arms! Be careful of such a one! Here, Ram is a common Hindi term for God, especially in North India. In the proverb, taking God’s name implies someone acting saintly.
Usage: When someone betrays you or others while pretending to be a good person or sympathizing with you so you never suspect their intentions. Someone who is known to have such a reputation.
Literal Saying: Like king, like subjects.
As a ruler is, so are the people.
Meaning: An age-old saying, given the vast number of kings and queens of small and large kingdoms that have ruled India since time immemorial. Stories abound on the impact of rulers, and the collective history illustrating how a kingdom or region thrived or suffered under good and bad rulers has led to this proverb. It suggests that a leader serves as a role model, and the way they govern directly influences the behavior of their people—whether in monarchies, organizations, communities, or nations.
A related modern perspective is the familiar words of French philosopher Joseph de Maistre (1753–1821): "Every nation gets the government it deserves." Jefferson’s quote, “People deserve the leaders they get,” may not be his actual words but echoes a similar sentiment.
Usage: Relevant in any situation where praise or censure of a leader’s actions is warranted, given their impact on the world. For instance: If a king fails to punish wrongdoers, his subjects may become emboldened to commit wrongs. If a king rewards honesty, then people will value honesty in the kingdom.
Hence, as a king is, so is his kingdom.
Enjoyed this curation? Read more in the wisdom series.
That was fun. Look forward to reading more.
Jayshree, I really enjoyed this proverbs! Thank you for enlightening your readers with this wisdom!