What are some common Urdu idioms and how would you explain them in English?

Answer 1

There are many Urdu idioms which can be explained in English. Here are some; A sinful man going to the bath in Ganges - Sau choohay kha k billi Hajj ko chali.

As you sow, so shall you reap - Jesi karni wesii bharni.

First come, first served - Pehle ayiye peel paayiye.

Prevention is better than cure - Parhaiz ilaaj se behtar hai.

Truth is bitter - Sach karrwa hota hai.

A friend in need is a friend indeed - Dost wo jo Museebat mai kaam aye

Great braggers little doers - Kaam kum baatay zeada

Answer 2

There are hundreds of idioms in Urdu. Some similar in meaning to English idioms that come to mind are;

Out of the frying pan into the fire. In Urdu it is; Asmman say gira khajoor maen atka or falling from the sky and tangled in the date palm. Used when one comes out of one difficult situation and falls in another.

Ek teer do nishanay same as killing two birds with one stone. Literal meaning, Hitting two targets with one arrow.