Humility

This proverb is used to describe limitations that remain constant despite growth or progress. It highlights that certain inherent traits or shortcomings do not change even if someone gains power, wealth, or age. It is often used to humble someone who is acting overly important or to point out that some things have a natural, fixed limit.

This proverb warns against complacency or excessive celebration after narrowly escaping a problem. It suggests that while one might have overcome a current crisis, life is unpredictable, and one should remain humble and prepared for future challenges rather than being overconfident.

This proverb highlights the difference in consumption and needs based on temperament and lifestyle. A glutton (one who wastes or overeats) requires a large measure (Thumu), whereas a modest and disciplined person is satisfied with a small measure (Manika). It is used to describe how resources are consumed differently depending on one's self-control and character.

This proverb describes human behavior regarding knowledge and wealth. A person with true wisdom or substance remains humble and steady, whereas someone with little knowledge or shallow character tends to boast, make a lot of noise, and show off.

This traditional proverb suggests that parents of a daughter should practice extreme patience, humility, and selflessness. It implies that in a society where the bride's side often has to accommodate the groom's side, parents must shed their ego or pride (the 'titles') to ensure their daughter's well-being and a harmonious marriage.

This expression is used to describe someone who stays extremely humble, modest, or inconspicuous, often hiding their true potential or presence to avoid drawing attention. It describes a state of being very quiet, obedient, or submissive in a given situation.

This proverb is used to signify that no matter how powerful, wealthy, or high-ranking a person becomes in the outside world, their relationship and status remain humble and basic within the family, especially towards their parents. It emphasizes humility and the importance of roots.

This proverb conveys that life is a cycle of ups and downs. Just as seasons change, periods of suffering will eventually be followed by periods of prosperity and happiness. It is used to offer hope during difficult times or to remind people to stay humble during successful times.

This proverb is used to describe a family or a situation where everyone is simple, humble, or lacks specific status/qualities, leading to a life without complications or pretenses. It often implies a state of being basic or unremarkable but content.

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 expression is used to advise humility and caution when one is in an unfavorable environment or among strangers where their status or power doesn't hold weight. It suggests that being modest in such situations is a sign of wisdom, rather than a lack of strength.

This proverb suggests that opportunities, wealth, or help naturally gravitate toward those who are humble or those who have a genuine need. It is often used to imply that benefits flow to the deserving and well-prepared, or that good things settle where there is a receptive and grounded environment.

Truth will out at last.

This expression is used to describe a situation where people are exceptionally simple, modest, or perhaps lacking in expected qualities, yet live together harmoniously. It is often used to characterize a family or a couple who are very humble, unassuming, and devoid of any pretenses or ego.

This expression is used when offering a small, humble contribution toward a massive task or to a great person. It signifies that even if the gift or help is insignificant compared to the recipient's stature or the scale of the project, it is given with deep devotion and sincerity.

This proverb describes a person who is detached or has nothing left to lose. Just as a tree without leaves or branches offers no resistance to the wind and remains unaffected, a person with no attachments, wealth, or ego cannot be troubled or swayed by external threats or worldly problems.

This expression is used to convey that while humans can put in the effort, the ultimate outcome (success or failure) is determined by fate or divine will. It is often used to encourage someone to stay humble in victory or resilient in defeat, acknowledging that not everything is under human control.

All that goes up must come down. We should not be proud when we prosper, but must be aware of the possibility of downfall. We should be humble in the moments of our triumph.

This proverb suggests that when a person is in a difficult situation or facing bad times, they might have to humble themselves or seek help from someone they normally look down upon to get their work done. It emphasizes the importance of pragmatism and patience over pride during adversity.

This expression emphasizes humility and the vastness of knowledge. It suggests that no single person is an absolute expert in every field, nor is anyone completely devoid of any knowledge or skills. It is used to remind people that everyone has something to learn and everyone has something to offer.

This expression is used to question the true source of contentment, contrasting temporary material riches with spiritual peace or divine proximity. It originated from a famous kirtana by the saint-composer Tyagaraja, who refused royal gifts in favor of his devotion.