Signification
What goes around comes around.
Contexte culturel
The proverb reflects the high value placed on social harmony and 'Dharma' in Kerala. It serves as a secular way to discuss moral accountability without necessarily invoking religious scripture. In the city of Kollam itself, people take pride in this proverb. It is a reminder of their city's glorious past as a global trade center where 'everything was available' and 'every debt was settled.' For Malayalis living abroad (in the Gulf, Europe, or US), this proverb is a piece of 'home' that reinforces the idea that their hard work and kindness in a foreign land will eventually benefit their families back in Kerala. The proverb is a favorite of political cartoonists and satirists. When a politician who was once arrogant loses an election, the headlines often simply read 'Koduthal Kollathum Kittum.'
Use it for 'Instant Karma'
If you see someone trip right after being mean to someone else, this is the perfect time to whisper this phrase.
Don't over-explain
Malayalis know this phrase very well. Just saying the first word 'Koduthal...' is often enough for people to finish the sentence in their heads.
Signification
What goes around comes around.
Use it for 'Instant Karma'
If you see someone trip right after being mean to someone else, this is the perfect time to whisper this phrase.
Don't over-explain
Malayalis know this phrase very well. Just saying the first word 'Koduthal...' is often enough for people to finish the sentence in their heads.
The 'Kollam' connection
If you are in Kollam, using this proverb is a great way to start a conversation with locals about their city's history.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb by filling in the missing word.
കൊടുത്താൽ ________ കിട്ടും.
'Kollathum' is the traditional city mentioned in the proverb.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Koduthal Kollathum Kittum'?
A person helps a stranger fix a flat tire, and months later, that same stranger happens to be the interviewer for their dream job.
This is a perfect example of positive reciprocity returning unexpectedly.
What is the figurative meaning of this proverb?
കൊടുത്താൽ കൊല്ലത്തും കിട്ടും
The proverb is a metaphor for karma and reciprocity.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate response.
അനു: 'അവൻ എന്നെ ചതിച്ചു, എനിക്ക് സങ്കടം വരുന്നു.' ബിനു: 'വിഷമിക്കണ്ട, ________.'
This is a common way to comfort someone by suggesting the wrongdoer will face consequences.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Usage Contexts
Positive
- • Helping a friend
- • Charity
- • Honesty
Negative
- • Cheating
- • Bullying
- • Lying
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesകൊടുത്താൽ ________ കിട്ടും.
'Kollathum' is the traditional city mentioned in the proverb.
A person helps a stranger fix a flat tire, and months later, that same stranger happens to be the interviewer for their dream job.
This is a perfect example of positive reciprocity returning unexpectedly.
കൊടുത്താൽ കൊല്ലത്തും കിട്ടും
The proverb is a metaphor for karma and reciprocity.
അനു: 'അവൻ എന്നെ ചതിച്ചു, എനിക്ക് സങ്കടം വരുന്നു.' ബിനു: 'വിഷമിക്കണ്ട, ________.'
This is a common way to comfort someone by suggesting the wrongdoer will face consequences.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, in this specific proverb, 'Kollam' refers to the city in southern Kerala. While 'Kollam' can mean 'year' in other contexts, here it represents a distant, busy place.
While it aligns with Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain concepts of Karma, the phrase itself is secular and used by people of all religions in Kerala.
Yes, if you are discussing ethics or long-term partnerships, it can be a very powerful way to emphasize trust.
Not at all! It is frequently used to encourage kindness, implying that good deeds will be rewarded.
It is an inclusive particle meaning 'even' or 'also'. It adds emphasis that the return will happen *even* in a place as far as Kollam.
You can use 'കർമ്മഫലം അനിവാര്യമാണ്' (Karmaphalam is inevitable), but the proverb 'Koduthal Kollathum Kittum' is already considered quite dignified.
Yes, it's a very common trope in Malayalam cinema, especially in 'mass' movies where the hero warns the villain.
You can, and people will understand you, but it won't be the 'official' proverb anymore. It's better to stick to 'Koduthal'.
Sometimes people just say 'Koduthാൽ കിട്ടും' (Koduthal Kittum), skipping the 'Kollathum' part in very casual talk.
Because when this proverb was created hundreds of years ago, Kollam was a much more important international port than Kochi.
Expressions liées
വിതച്ചതേ കൊയ്യൂ
synonymYou reap what you sow.
താൻ പാതി ദൈവം പാതി
similarHalf is your effort, half is God's will.
അല്പം കൊടുത്താൽ അധികം കിട്ടും
builds onGive a little, get a lot.
ചെയ്ത വിന തനിക്ക് തന്നെ
similarThe harm you do will come back to you.
