Learn Tulu Kannada Online : Part 6 - Tulu Kannada Idioms, Sayings with Translations

Idioms form integral part of any language and add spice to the speech. In this part of Learn Tulu series, I am making an effort to put down idioms I know in Tulu language. There are few now and I hope to add more in the future. You can use these phrases in your speech to surprise your Tulu speaking friends :) More importantly, do let me know your opinion on this write up! Also, find the audio guide for this lesson below.
Tulu : bittilda dai yepala mardatt ge.
Kannada : hittala gida maddalla.
English : Literal translation - herb in your backyard is not the medicine. This idiom refers to the attitude of people who ignore the solutions which they already have(like their own ideas or ideas suggested by people at home) and seek external advice.

Tulu : dasme popunavule muchchune, kumbuDa popunavule budpune.
Kannada : saasive nashTa taDedrante, kumbalakaayina hange biTTrante.
English : Literal translation - stopping the mustard wastage leaving aside the wastage of pumpkin! Penny wise, pound foolish.

Tulu : mooleD ittna maDu nu kaar g paaDlekane.
Kannada : moolelidda koDalina kaal mele haakkonDrante.
English : Literal translation - hurting one's leg with the axe at the corner. This explains us how people knowingly invite trouble.

Tulu : notna peTT maaju, panDi paatera maajand.
Kannada : hodeda etannu mareyabahudu, helida maatannu mareyalaagadu.
English : Literal translation - physical wounds will heal but not the scars made by harsh words.

Tulu : pagel guDDeD paterre balli, irl illal paterre balli.

Kannada : hagalu beTTadalli maataaDbaardu, iruLu maneli maataaDbaardu.
English : Literal translation - Don't speak in the hills in day time and in the night, don't speak at home. This conveys that people will always be around to overhear your conversations.

Tulu : konDeda baayi muchcholi, anDeda baayi muchchere balli.

Kannada : loTada baayi muchchabahudu, doDDa handeya baayi muchchalaagadu.

English : Literal translation - you can close the bowl with a lid but cannot shut the mouth of the big cylinder. This conveys one cannot stop the spread of rumors amoung people.

Tulu : neendere teerandinaaye kedukku laayti leka.

Kannada : eeju baaradava kerege haarida haage.

English : Literal translation - like the one who jumps to the river without knowing how to swim. This refers to people who jump to something without knowing the basics.