Afghan Proverbs

1- No rose is without thorns.

Meaning: No one is perfect.

2- A good year is determined by its spring.

Meaning: As goes the spring so goes the year.

Usage: Character and quality show up early.

3- Whatever you sow you reap.

Meaning: A person gets his just deserts.

4- There is a path to the top of even the highest mountain.

Meaning: (a) God is more powerful than the proudest of persons.

Meaning: (b) Where there is a will there is a way.

5- A tree doesn’t move unless there is wind.

Meaning: Where there is smoke there is fire, or every effect has a cause.

6- Don’t stop a donkey that isn’t yours.

Meaning: Mind your own business.

7- There are twenty-five un-caught sparrows for a penny.

Meaning: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, or wishes are a dime a dozen.

8- A porcupine speaking to its baby says," O my child of velvet."

Meaning: One’s own child is especially dear for him/her.

9- A wolf’s pup will grow into a wolf even though raised among men.

Meaning: Training can not change heredity: or, you can not change a leopard’s spots: or, what is bred in the bone will come out in the flesh.

10- Flourish like a flower, but may your life be longer.

Meaning: When one is offered some flowers.

11- A real friend is one who takes the hand of his friend in times of distress and helplessness.

Meaning: A friend in need is a friend indeed.

12- There is a way from heart to heart.

Meaning: Love finds a way to another’s heart.

13- The first day you meet, you are friends. The next day you meet, you are brothers.

Meaning: Friendship grows into brotherhood.

14- A river is not contaminated by having a dog drink from it.

Meaning: One of good character is pure despite criticism.

15- A tilted load won’t reach its destination.

Meaning: Honesty is the best policy.

16- It’s the same donkey, but with a new saddle.

Meaning: Clothes do not make the man.

Usage: Said of some one who has recently gained a high position unworthily.

17- Reading Scripture in front of a donkey.

Meaning: Casting your pearls before swine.

18- Without a green switch the ox and the donkey won’t obey.

Meaning: Spare the rod and spoil the child.

19- Without investigating the water, don't take off your shoes (to walk through it).

Meaning: "Look before you leap."

20- One flower doesn’t bring spring.

Meaning: One swallow doesn’t make a spring.

Usage: Said of a person who tries to do too much himself.

21- They asked the fox, "Who is your witness?" He said, "My tail,"

Meaning: Collusion is suspected: or, one witness for his own benefit.

22- A lion at home and a fox abroad.

Meaning: A big frog in a little pond becomes a little frog in a big pond.

Usage: Character and quality show up early.

23- A fox is in trouble because of his own pelt.

Meaning: A person’s own health or possessions can involve him in trouble, thus becoming his own worst enemy.

24- He is riding the donkey, but has lost the donkey.

Meaning: If it had been a snake, it would have bitten you; or, not making the same mistake twice.

25- In an ant colony dew is a flood.

Meaning: A little misfortune means much to one in need.

26- Having been bitten by a snake, he's afraid of a rope.

Meaning: Once bitten, twice shy: or not making the same mistake twice.

27- If there is only bread and onions, still have a happy face.

Meaning: "Be content with such things as you have."

28- Every anguish passes except the anguish of hunger.

Meaning: One can forget other troubles, but not the need of food.

29- A warm fire is better than any delicious food.

Meaning: Warmth is more important than food.

30- One who doesn't appreciate the apple won't appreciate the orchard.

Meaning: If we don't appreciate little things, we won't appreciate great things.

31- Two watermelons can't be held in one hand.

Meaning: If you have too many preoccupations, you will succeed at none of them.

32- Salt preserves meat, but what can be done with salt if it is bad.

Meaning: Ordinary people can be corrected, but how can one correct teachers, leaders and preachers.

33- A mother won't give milk to her child until he cries.

 Meaning: Unless we ask for something, we don't get it.

34- Even if a knife is made of gold, a person won't stab his own heart with it.

Meaning: Don't side with your best friend or even with your son if he is in the wrong.

35- A new servant can catch a running deer.

Meaning: A person who is new at a job is overly energetic in an attempt to make a good impression.

36- He ran out from under a leaking roof and sat in the rain.

Meaning: Out of the frying pan into the fire.

37- My drum doesn't do what I want it to.

Meaning: Used when a servant child or student doesn't do what.

38- Only stretch you foot to the length of your blanket.

Meaning: "Cut your coat according to your cloth:" or, don't overstretch your bounds.

39- Walls have mice and mice have ears.

Meaning: Secrets told are spread abroad.

40-Without investigating the water, don't take off your shoes (to walk through it).

Meaning:  "Look before you leap."