Consequences

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's efforts, hopes, or very existence are being destroyed or treated with utter disregard. It signifies deep emotional pain or a sense of total loss caused by someone's actions, akin to throwing something precious into a fire.

This proverb is used to convey that the original or previous situation, person, or choice was better than the current alternative, despite its flaws. It highlights the regret of making a change and the realization that the 'known devil is better than the unknown angel.'

This proverb describes a situation where a person who is already facing one significant problem or disability is burdened with an additional, even more severe misfortune. It is used to express that troubles often come in pairs or that an already difficult situation has been made worse by a new calamity.

This expression highlights the inconvenience and frustration caused by uninvited or unwanted guests. It suggests that when someone visits at an inappropriate time or without being asked, it creates a restless and bothersome situation for the host.

This proverb is used to describe a superstition or a practical observation that when exactly three people travel together on a single vehicle or venture, it often encounters obstacles or fails to progress smoothly. It is frequently used to caution against groups of three starting a task or to explain why a particular joint effort is stalling.

This expression describes a person who is so absent-minded or confused that they forget basic survival skills or essential knowledge exactly when they need it most. It is used to mock someone's extreme forgetfulness or their tendency to get into trouble and then fail to use the obvious solution.

This proverb suggests that the charms, delusions, or manipulative tactics of women can be so captivating that they blind a person to reality. It is typically used to warn someone about being misled by physical attraction or superficial beauty, implying that such influences can cloud one's judgment like a magician's trick.

This expression suggests that if the origin or base of something (like a family or a plan) is flawed or immoral, then one's reputation and dignity will inevitably be lost. It is used to emphasize that a strong character and good beginnings are essential for lasting respect.

This expression highlights the importance of hard work and the danger of laziness. It suggests that no matter how much wealth or resources one has inherited or accumulated, they will eventually be exhausted if one simply consumes them without earning or being productive.

This expression describes a situation where one suffers an embarrassing failure or mishap specifically in front of people who are already prone to ridicule or criticize them. It highlights the added sting of humiliation when a mistake happens in front of those waiting for a chance to laugh at you.

This proverb is used to describe a delicate or troublesome situation where there is no perfect outcome. No matter which way things turn out, there will be difficulties or complaints. It is often used to refer to people who are never satisfied or situations that are inherently problematic regardless of the change in state.

This expression describes a situation that is extremely precarious, delicate, or risky. It is used when a task requires immense skill, balance, or caution because even a small mistake could lead to disastrous consequences. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'walking on a tightrope' or 'walking on eggshells'.

This expression is used to highlight that certain things are inherently devoid of certain qualities, often in a cynical or philosophical context. Just as a gemstone is valued for its beauty and not its scent, selfishness is driven by personal gain and is completely indifferent to 'taste' (decency, ethics, or the feelings of others). It is often used to describe someone so consumed by self-interest that they lack any sense of moral refinement or empathy.

This expression is used to describe something that is incomplete or lacks its most essential element. Just as dry ginger is the core medicinal ingredient in an Ayurvedic decoction, and Karna is a pivotal, indispensable character in the Mahabharata, a project or situation lacks its true essence or effectiveness without a key component or person.

This expression refers to being harmed by someone or something that is generally perceived as harmless, saintly, or trustworthy. It describes an unexpected betrayal or injury from a source where one only expected goodness or safety.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gives up something truly valuable, peaceful, or permanent (like spiritual liberation) for something burdensome, troublesome, or temporary (like worldly power or material desires). It highlights a poor trade-off or a lack of wisdom in choosing one's priorities.

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks common sense or humility, and instead of taking a compliment or a suggestion gracefully, they respond with an absurd, arrogant, or inappropriate remark. It mocks a person who, despite being in an awkward or late-stage situation (like an old man getting married), acts with unearned overconfidence or makes foolish claims that embarrass themselves.

This proverb highlights that certain flaws are worse than others in terms of utility. A hunchbacked buffalo is often physically unable to pull a plow effectively, whereas a blind buffalo, if guided, can still perform work. It is used to suggest that a defect that prevents performance entirely is worse than a defect that only complicates it.

This expression is used to remind someone that results require hard work and practical effort rather than just empty talk or miracles. It is a sarcastic rhetorical question aimed at those who expect success without doing the necessary work.

Said of excessive leniency or ineffective measures.

This proverb describes a situation where someone undergoes a significant sacrifice or suffers a heavy loss to achieve a certain status or goal, but despite the sacrifice, the end result is humiliating or they are still addressed by a lesser title. It is used to mock situations where one loses both wealth and dignity for a futile outcome.