Futility

This expression is used to describe a situation where minor distractions or criticisms (represented by croaking frogs) continue to happen while a larger, inevitable, or significant event (the collapsing banks) proceeds regardless. It suggests that small noises or insignificant objections do not stop the course of important events or natural processes.

This refers to a situation when there are two disputing parties and advising either of them to compromise or withdraw from the dispute will be rejected by both. On those occasions, it is wise to keep quiet.

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 proverb describes a situation where someone goes out to perform a simple, quick task but ends up staying away for a long time and getting involved in unnecessary or unintended complications. It is used to critique procrastination or when a small errand turns into a long-term distraction.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where resources or opportunities are abundant, but an individual is unable to enjoy or utilize them due to their own personal bad luck, incompetence, or physical/mental inability.

This proverb refers to a situation where a lot of time or resources are wasted on something that ultimately yields no result. It is used to describe a total loss where both the effort (or substance) and the final product are ruined through procrastination or inefficient processes.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone asks for feedback or information right at the moment they are about to experience the result firsthand. It highlights the pointlessness or impatience of questioning something that will be self-evident in a matter of seconds.

This proverb describes a situation where one relies on an unreliable or incapable person to overcome a major difficulty. Just as a dog's tail cannot provide enough buoyancy or strength to pull a human across a river, trusting a weak or incompetent resource for a significant task is bound to lead to failure.

This expression refers to something that looks attractive or promising on the outside but turns out to be useless, empty, or disappointing on the inside. It is used to describe deceptive appearances where the external beauty does not reflect the internal quality.

This proverb highlights the essential nature of food and spiritual/moral grounding for survival. 'Anna Dvesham' (hatred for food) refers to the loss of appetite or refusal to eat, which leads to physical death. 'Brahma Dvesham' (hatred for the divine or ultimate truth) implies a loss of mental or spiritual peace. It is used to suggest that neglecting basic necessities or fundamental truths leads to inevitable downfall.

This proverb describes a situation where someone unknowingly invites trouble or creates their own competition out of sheer innocence or lack of foresight. It is used to mock people who take actions that seem helpful or generous but eventually lead to their own downfall or disadvantage.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who applies the same simple solution to problems of vastly different scales. It suggests that a small remedy (suitable for a 'budda' or small boil) is insufficient for a massive problem (a 'bhutam' or ghost), highlighting the need for proportional responses.

This expression describes performing a completely futile, useless, or unrewarding task. Just as brushing the teeth of a horse that cannot see (and thus cannot be used effectively) is a waste of effort, this phrase is used to mock someone who is wasting their energy on something that will never yield a beneficial result.

This expression is used to describe someone who makes extreme, irrational, or self-destructive decisions when faced with minor discomfort or temporary problems. It highlights the tendency to overreact or choose a permanent 'solution' to a temporary situation.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's small mistake, identity, or problem gets completely lost or hidden within a massive crowd or a large volume of similar things. It is used when a person realizes that in the grand scheme of things, their specific issue is insignificant or cannot be easily identified among thousands of others.

This expression refers to creating unrealistic plans or daydreams that have no solid foundation. It is used to describe someone who is being impractical or overly idealistic about the future without taking any concrete action.

This proverb is used to warn against overdoing something to the point of self-harm. Just as kohl (kajal) is meant to enhance the beauty of the eyes, an excess of it can cause damage. It is a cautionary advice against lack of moderation or taking a good thing to a destructive extreme.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks common sense or discretion and overreacts to a simple task. Instead of just gathering information or observing as instructed, they act impulsively and cause unnecessary destruction or trouble. It is often used to criticize someone who makes a situation worse due to their lack of understanding or excessive zeal.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being indiscriminately or heavily beaten, or more commonly, when a task is being done haphazardly by mixing everything together without individual distinction. It is often used humorously to describe chaotic situations or a 'free-for-all' scenario.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers something insignificantly small or inadequate to someone with vast needs or great capacity. Just as an elephant requires a massive amount of food to be satisfied, showing it small teats (symbolizing a tiny portion) is useless and mocking.