Futility

This proverb is used to mock people who cannot perform even the simplest of tasks but make grand, unrealistic promises about completing much more difficult or ambitious ones. It highlights the irony of someone lacking basic capability yet claiming they will achieve something extraordinary.

This expression refers to a person or a situation that is best left alone because any interference will lead to unnecessary trouble or a series of complications. It is used to describe irritable people or messy problems that 'sting' or 'prick' when disturbed.

This proverb describes a situation where the penalty or maintenance cost of an item exceeds the value of the item itself. It is used when someone spends more money or effort to fix or protect something than what that thing is actually worth.

A fanam = 80 cash. Expense disproportionate to the value of an article.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone expects an impossibility or an illogical outcome. It implies that certain consequences are inextricably linked to their source, or that one cannot escape a larger disaster by focusing on minor details. Just as a flood naturally carries a boat, the primary cause dictates the result.

This proverb is used to describe the futility of seeking help, money, or favors from those who have nothing themselves or from those who are extremely miserly. It emphasizes that a person without resources or a generous heart cannot provide what they don't possess, regardless of how much they are pressured.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gains nothing from their efforts, and instead, even the existing essential resources or people are put in jeopardy or lost. It signifies a total loss or a counterproductive outcome where one ends up worse off than before.

This expression suggests that while appearances or specific circumstances might change, the fundamental nature, history, or inherent qualities of a situation remain the same. It is used to point out that basic truths or deep-rooted behaviors do not change simply because of a change in scenery or time.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something basic or essential is missing precisely where it is expected to be most abundant. It highlights the irony of a specialist or a source lacking the very tools or materials they work with every day.

This proverb highlights that basic contentment and simple necessities—steady food, a companion, and basic comforts—are superior to a life of great ambition or complex struggles. It advocates for the virtue of a settled, modest, and self-sufficient lifestyle.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an event was already certain to happen, but some small, irrelevant omen or trivial excuse is credited for it. It mocks the tendency to attribute a natural or inevitable outcome to a superstition.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite having many relatives or resources, none are actually available to help when needed. It signifies being in a state of helplessness or lack of support even when one is surrounded by family or potential means.

This expression is used to describe a situation where effort, resources, or advice are wasted on someone or something that cannot retain them. It signifies a futile or useless action where despite the input, there is no result because the vessel (recipient) is fundamentally flawed.

This proverb is used to describe individualistic or selfish behavior. It implies that people generally look after their own needs and comforts but rarely extend that same effort to help everyone else around them. It is often cited when someone expects an individual to solve everyone's problems just because they are capable of solving their own.

This expression highlights that mere physical presence in a holy place like Kashi (Varanasi) does not guarantee spiritual liberation. It emphasizes that true salvation or inner peace comes from one's character, devotion, and internal state rather than external rituals or geographical location.

This proverb highlights that while a simple or unrefined person might have a single obvious flaw, a person who tries too hard to be sophisticated or 'showy' often ends up with multiple layers of pretension or problems. It is used to criticize vanity or the irony of someone trying to appear perfect but failing more miserably than a simple person.

This proverb is used to indicate that certain things or people cannot be transformed into something valuable, no matter how much effort is put into changing them. Just as burning hair results in ash and a foul smell rather than useful charcoal, some base natures or useless materials cannot be turned into something productive.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an action is taken against a minor or irrelevant target, but the result is claimed to have affected a much larger or more significant entity. It highlights a false sense of achievement or a logical fallacy where two unrelated events are linked to exaggerate one's prowess.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person sets out with a negative intention or a risky plan to gain something, but ends up with something completely useless or worse than what they started with. It highlights the irony of failing miserably even in a dishonest attempt.

This proverb is used to describe situations where a conflict or injury might be resolved, but the emotional pain, memory, or damage to a reputation persists. It emphasizes that while physical or immediate problems can be fixed, the lasting impact or 'scar' stays forever.

This expression is a metaphor used to explain that success or results cannot be achieved without effort. Just as a meal doesn't manifest without the act of cooking, one cannot expect progress or rewards without putting in the necessary work.