Khmer Proverbs (32)

Being rapid only in words, the hips die out.

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reference to someone who is "all talk and no action"

~http://www.khmerinstitute.org

Khmer Proverbs (31)

Shaking like a water buffalo will cause you to lose your reputation of being dependable.
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reference to cowardice or indecisiveness

~http://www.khmerinstitute.org

Khmer Proverbs (29)

Knowing yourself to be ignorant, you will eventually become wise.

~http://www.khmerinstitute.org

Khmer Proverbs (28)

Leading the cow, walking the bull.

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Reference to a matchmaker

~http://www.khmerinstitute.org

Khmer Proverbs (27)

In conflicts with foreigners, do not be absentminded.

~www.khmerinstitute.org

Khmer Proverbs (26)

A good name is scarce in the world; prosperity seeks those with with reputable names. ~http://www.khmerinstitute.org

Khmer Proverbs (25)

~Physical death is better than the death of your reputation (also "family's reputation").

~http://www.khmerinstitute.org

Khmer Proverbs (24)

You do not fear the thorny plant, yet you fear the tiger. 

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Phrase from a Khmer story about a crippled man and a blind man. As they walk through the forest, rather than fearing the thorny plants in his path, the blind man fears running into a tiger. This prompts the crippled man who is riding on his shoulders to scold him for his paranoia. Possible Interpretation: Worry about the immediate dangers rather than one that is still in the abstract.

~http://www.khmerinstitute.org

Khmer Proverbs (23)

You want others to become petrified from fear of your power, to be apprehensive of and praise your courage; but your status will not be as you assume, what you will have is only self-destruction. 

~http://www.khmerinstitute.org

Khmer Proverbs (22)

When critically ill, you sacrifice an elephant with your prayer; when better, you give a chicken egg as offering. 

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Interpretation: Do not perform virtuous deeds or pursue religion only in times of trouble.

~http://www.khmerinstitute.org

Khmer Proverb (30)

Like stepping on the thief's foot ------------------------- Similar to "Being at the wrong place at the wrong time."

Khmer Proverbs (21)

 

'If you want to know how fast the horse is, race the horse; if you want to know how good the cow is, make it pull an oxcart; if you want to know whether the udder has milk, then tug at it; if you want to know whether someone is wise, converse.'

http://www.khmerinstitute.org/

Khmer Proverbs (20)

 

For those who have a mouth fragrant as lotus flower, and speak polite words like cool sandalwood, but in their stomach lies venom cutting like Vishnu's disc of power, with such people one should not voluntarily associate. ~http://www.khmerinstitute.org/

Khmer Proverbs (19)

Dead even while living, foul-smelling even while fresh: reference to a useless person.  ~http://www.khmerinstitute.org                                           (Just because I have been dealing with such people all day)

Khmer Proverbs (18)

The fig vine on the snai tree and the white heron - do not be content emulating them. 

Interpretation: The fig vine often grows in excess and overwhelms its host; in this context, it represents those who excessively cling to or overwhelm others. By contrast, the white heron always stands alone like an outcast. A person should be balanced and neither excessively dependent on others nor excessively independent.

~http://www.khmerinstitute.org/

Khmer Proverbs (17)

In squeezing the neck of the Chinese, Khmer tongues stick out.

Khmer Proverbs (16)

If you raise a tiger cub, it will eventually repay the favor.  -------------------------  "favor" being used sarcastically ~http://www.khmerinstitute.org

Khmer Proverbs (15)

Grabbing this, grabbing that will get you nowhere. 

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Interpretation: You will not achieve anything by doing things randomly; you need a plan to achieve your goals. May also be an admonishment against greed.

~http://www.khmerinstitute.org/

Khmer Proverbs (14)

To be as sharp as a stake you must diligently file away at the metal bar.

(Practice makes perfect)

Khmer Proverbs (13)

It does not matter whether you win or lose, as long as you are correct - follow the path of virtue without fail, follow the path of justice without bias, do not think of fortune or glory

~http://www.khmerinstitute.org