Consequences

Will a belly full of mud cause disgust while a belly full of famine makes one lean?

This proverb highlights that both extremes are undesirable. Just as excess (mud/slush) causes revulsion and discomfort, extreme scarcity (famine/drought) leads to weakness and collapse. It is often used to suggest that neither too much of something bad nor the complete absence of necessity is sustainable.

Like water under a mat.

This refers to something done secretly. Though on the surface it appears fine, it can be quite dangerous in the consequence.

Like forgetting to tie the sacred thread in the rush of the wedding.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gets so caught up in the minor details or the chaotic atmosphere of an event that they forget the most essential or primary task. It highlights a lack of focus on the main objective despite much activity.

A Bhaskara who does not write.

This expression is used to describe a person who is highly knowledgeable, talented, or qualified for a task but remains idle or refuses to perform the work. It originates from the poet 'Hulakki Bhaskara' who was part of the Ramayana translation; specifically, it refers to one who possesses the skill of a great poet (like Bhaskara) but does not put it into practice.

Observe a short woman's strength when she gets onto the woven bed.

This proverb suggests that one's true capability or talent is only revealed during action or when the appropriate opportunity arises, rather than by judging based on physical appearance or stature.

A man without money is not worth an areca nut. A man without money is a bow without an arrow. Who has not, is not. (Italian.)

This proverb highlights the importance of financial resources even for the smallest tasks. 'Rooka' refers to a small coin or money, and 'Poka' refers to a betel nut. It means that without basic capital or money, one cannot initiate any business or fulfill even minor needs.

What does a louse know about the itching at the back of the head?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the person causing a problem is completely unaware or indifferent to the suffering they are causing. Just as a louse living on a head doesn't care about the irritation it causes the person, an insensitive person doesn't understand the pain their actions inflict on others.

Service in the stables will not even earn one a meal.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person works extremely hard or performs menial, taxing labor but receives no meaningful reward or even basic sustenance in return. It highlights the plight of unrewarding or exploitative toil.

The one who rides a tiger cannot walk on the ground.

This expression describes a situation where someone has achieved a high position of power or is involved in a dangerous, high-stakes endeavor that they cannot quit. Just as a person riding a tiger is safe as long as they stay on its back but will be devoured if they step down, this refers to being trapped by one's own success or risky commitments.

When asked 'O stubborn woman, what did your husband do?', she replied 'He hit me here and there, and then he died'.

This proverb is used to describe an extremely stubborn or difficult person who refuses to yield even when facing consequences. It implies that the person is so relentless that they ended up being the 'winner' only because the other person exhausted themselves or passed away trying to deal with them. It highlights a toxic level of persistence where the individual finds victory in others' defeat or departure.

A vicious horse requires a comb made of Palmyra wood. Full of splinters.

This proverb is used to say that stubborn or difficult people require harsh or unconventional treatment to be kept in control. Just as a rough horse needs a stiff, sharp brush to be groomed, a difficult person needs a tough approach to be managed.

They said to work hard and then enjoy the happiness

This expression emphasizes the value of hard work as a prerequisite for success and comfort. It is used to motivate someone to put in effort now so they can reap the rewards and live peacefully later in life. It reflects the philosophy that true happiness is earned through diligence.

A person without good qualities is a walking corpse.

This proverb is used to emphasize that a person's value lies in their virtues and character. A person who lacks good qualities, empathy, or principles is considered as good as dead or a living corpse because they contribute nothing meaningful to society.

There is no god like Rama, and there is no demon like Ravana.

This expression is used to describe the extremes of character or quality. It highlights that Rama represents the absolute pinnacle of virtue and divinity, while Ravana represents the ultimate level of villainy and ego. In a broader sense, it is used to compare someone to the best or worst of their kind.

The fruit depends on the tree

Like father, like son; or the quality of a product depends on its source. It is used to suggest that the nature or character of a person or thing is determined by its origin or upbringing.

Which snake is in which anthill, or which power is in which temple.

This proverb is used to express that one cannot judge a person or a situation by outward appearances. It implies that hidden potential, danger, or greatness can exist in unexpected places, and therefore, one should treat everyone or every opportunity with respect and caution.

The sick person cannot sleep, and the pleasure-seeker cannot nap.

This proverb describes how both extreme suffering and extreme pleasure can lead to sleeplessness. A sick person (rogi) is kept awake by physical pain or discomfort, while a person indulging in luxuries and worldly pleasures (bhogi) is often too excited, distracted, or busy with enjoyment to find rest.

Throwing a stone at someone who doesn't come

This expression is used when someone is absent or not responding, and others take advantage of the situation by blaming them or making decisions in their absence. It implies that since the person isn't there to defend themselves, they are an easy target for criticism or accusations.

If the disease is one thing, the medicine given is another.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the solution provided does not match the problem at hand. It refers to irrelevant actions, wrong remedies, or addressing a completely different issue instead of the actual cause of a problem.

For the one who examines accounts, there isn't a single daytime.

This proverb describes the plight of accountants or meticulous planners who get so bogged down in details and calculations that they lose track of time or fail to enjoy life. It highlights how being overly analytical or buried in work can consume all of one's available time.