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Kurdish Proverbs

The wit and wisdom of Kurdish sayings — each proverb with its translation and meaning.

Diza ji diza dizî, erd û asîman lerizî
A thief stole from another thief, and heaven and earth trembled.
Dû barane ga çek nabe
You do not cover the ox after the rain has fallen.
Dûjminê te gêrikek be ji disa hesabê xwe bike.
Even if your enemy is only an ant, take your precautions.
Dûr bi nure.
What is far away appears bright.
Ê dizîya hingiv bike wê mêş pêvedin
The one who steals honey will be stung by bees.
Ê jinê berde li panîyê nanêre
One who leaves his wife does not look back.
Ê ku bi ya mezinan neke, jovan dibe
Whoever ignores the advice of elders will regret it.
Ê ne di şerde be şêr e
The one who is not in the fight becomes a lion.
Ê rabe cîhê wî, ê bimre jina wî dimîne
If he leaves, his bed remains; if he dies, his wife remains.
Eger nede mabûd wê çi bike siltan mahmût
If God does not grant it, what can Sultan Mahmud do?