Huttu GuNa Suttaru Hogalla

ಹುಟ್ಟು ಗುಣ ಸುಟ್ಟರೂ ಹೋಗೋಲ್ಲ

Literal meaning – “That quality which comes by birth does not go away even when burnt (when the person dies)”

This is used when we come across some people who have certain habits which they never change. Also used to indicate the evil present in a person by attributing it to be have been engrained in him.

Uppu Thinda Mele Neeru Kudiyale Baeku

ಉಪ್ಪು ತಿಂದ ಮೇಲೆ ನೀರು ಕುಡಿಯಲೇ ಬೇಕು

Literal meaning – “If you have salt, you have to drink water”

This is similar to the saying “As you sow, so you reap”. Its used to highlight the consequences of one’s actions. Bad actions are always guaranteed to bring about negative results.

beLLagirOdella haalalla

ಬೆಳ್ಳಗಿರೋದೆಲ್ಲ ಹಾಲಲ್ಲ

Literal meaning - "All that is white is not milk"

This is used to highlight the importance of not taking things at face value. A person cannot be judged purely based on how he appears. True character will come out only upon close inspection and thought.

vEda suLLaadaru gaade suLLaagadu

ವೇದ ಸುಳ್ಳಾದರು ಗಾದೆ ಸುಳ್ಳಾಗದು

Literal meaning - "Even if the holy scriptures are wrong, wise sayings can never be wrong".

This one is used to highlight the depth of knowledge and experience that "sayings" possess. Since they have come alive due to practical experiences and intellect of our forefathers, they possess tremendous relevance even to this day.

Note: Thanks to MadhuSimha, I am now able to post the titles in Kannada as well. Enjoy!!

Ati Aase Gati Kaedu

ಅತಿ ಆಸೆ ಗತಿ ಕೇಡು

Literal meaning - "Too much desire will lead to disaster"

This is of course one of the oldest sayings and is used to advise people against too much greed. This promotes the concept of simple living and control over desires.

Yeradu Kai Saeridrene ChappaaLe

ಎರಡು ಕೈ ಸೇರಿದ್ರೇನೆ ಚಪ್ಪಾಳೆ

Literal meaning - "Only if both hands join together, can we clap"

This is used to describe situations where we sought the co-operation of someone else in completing the job and is used to indicate that only with their help, the task can be accomplished.

Also used in situations where something bad has occurred between two people and both have had a role to play in spoiling it.

Rogi Bayasiddu Haalu Anna Vaidya HeLiddu Haalu Anna

ರೋಗಿ ಬಯಸಿದ್ದು ಹಾಲು ಅನ್ನ ವೈದ್ಯ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದು ಹಾಲು ಅನ್ನ

Literal meaning - "The patient wanted milk and rice and the doctor prescribed milk and rice".

This is used in situations when the thoughts of two people match, especially when one of them desires something which the other can provide. More casually, this can be used when one gets what he wants.

Shiva Poojeli Karadi Banda Haage

ಶಿವ ಪೂಜೆಲಿ ಕರಡಿ ಬಂದ ಹಾಗೆ

Literal meaning - "Like the bear which appeared during God's worship".

This is used to point to someone that he/she is an intruder or an unwanted guest in something. This saying has its equivalent in almost all languages, with the Hindi version "Kabaab Mein Haddi..." being the most famous.

Baeleenay Eddu Hola Meythu

Literal meaning - "The fence itself grazed the grass"

This is commonly used to indicate when someone who is championing a cause acts contrary to it. For example, if the caretaker of an item destroys it, this saying becomes appropriate.

Aaru Kaasu Kotre Atte Kade Mooru Kaasu Kotre Sose Kade

Literal meaning - "If given 6 cents, he will side with the mother-in-law while if given 3 cents, he will side with the daughter-in-law".

Essentially, this is used to describe someone showing the beige color syndrome. This saying perfectly describes fence-sitters who seem to jump sides at the drop of a hat and never seem to have a standing of their own.

HaLoorige ULidavane Gowda

Literal meaning - "In a ruined village, whoever remains becomes the chieftain"

This is used on ocassions where someone has reached a position or assumed a role by default as there are no other contenders/candidates available. Also used in situations when no one is interested in a position and hence the only one remaining dons the mantle.

Hosa Vaidyanigintha HaLe Rogine Vaasi

Literal meaning - "An experienced patient is better than a new doctor".

This one is of course used in scenarios where experience, rather than qualification, plays a hand in handling a situation. One of the most widely used Gaades in Kannada.

Sankata Bandaaga Venkataramana

Literal meaning - "When there is a calamity, you think of Venkataramana (God)"

This is used when we find people remembering God and praying to God only during troubled times and conveniently ignoring our duties towards God when things are fine. This can also be used if someone approaches an individual seeking help but ignoring the person at other times.

Koti Taanu Kedodalde Vananella Kedasthu

Literal meaning - "The monkey not only spoils itself, it also spoils the entire forest".

This is used whenever one is found influencing his or her way on others. Especially if the influence happens to be a negative one. For example, if someone passes on a cigarette to his/her friend and encourages smoking, this quotation can be used to describe the situation.

Hoovina Jote Naaru Swargakke Hoytu

Literal meaning - "Along with the flowers, the thread also made its way to heaven".

This one is used to indicate that someone free-rode his/her way to a benefit while the actual effort was by someone else. Trivial example - when someone just proof-reads a paper and gets credited as a co-author. Ok - bad example...but helps in appreciating the quotation!