Irony

A barking dog doesn't bite

This proverb is used to describe people who make a lot of noise, threats, or boasts but rarely take any real action. It suggests that those who are most vocal about their intentions or anger are often the least likely to be truly dangerous or effective.

Like saying if it is not enough, it is useless

This expression describes a dismissive attitude where someone devalues or discards something simply because it isn't sufficient for their specific needs, even if it has inherent value. It is often used to criticize people who make excuses or pretend that things they cannot fully attain are worthless.

Words are leaves, actions are fruits

This proverb is used to emphasize that talking is easy and abundant like leaves on a tree, but real results and value come only from actions, which are like the fruit. It is often used to criticize people who talk a lot but do very little.

Even if it eats a barn full of grain, the francolin (quail) still has only three 'kanulu' (legs/units).

This proverb is used to describe someone who remains small-minded, greedy, or unimproved despite receiving abundant resources or opportunities. It highlights that an individual's basic nature or limitations do not change regardless of how much they consume or possess.

If told to bite, the snake gets angry; if told to let go, the frog gets angry.

This proverb is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will result in displeasing one party or causing a problem. It reflects a state of being stuck between two difficult choices where you cannot satisfy everyone.

When the King fell for a beggar woman and was questioned, he told the Minister, 'Look through my eyes'.

This proverb highlights that 'beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.' It is used when someone's choice or preference seems baffling or poor to others, but is perfectly justified to the person involved because of their unique perspective or emotional attachment.

Does it mean that being poor, one should be poor in one’s speech as well?

One may give a noble speech, even if one is financially poor. The nobility of one does not depend on one’s wealth or the lack of it.

The mother-in-law is interested in the Atlataddi festival! The daughter-in-law is interested in the Kotappakonda fair!

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people have completely different interests, priorities, or desires that do not align with each other. It highlights the lack of common ground or the pursuit of individual whims despite being in the same household or situation.

The master's permission for the free food at a shelter

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone acts as if they have authority over things that are free or do not belong to them. It mocks people who unnecessarily try to control or dictate terms in matters where they have no personal stake or ownership.

Like enquiring the flavour of the vegetables when on the point of eating them. Want of patience.

This expression is used to describe someone's unnecessary impatience or redundant inquiries about a result that they are just moments away from experiencing firsthand anyway. It highlights the pointlessness of seeking an opinion or a preview when the reality is already at hand.

When he was at the point of death he cried "Śankara! Śankara!" (Siva.) Deathbed repentance.

This proverb is used to describe someone who waits until the very last moment or a crisis to seek help, turn to God, or do the right thing. It refers to a person who ignores their duties or avoids spiritual/ethical paths throughout their life, only to become desperately 'pious' or 'diligent' when they realize time has run out.

Reddy came, start again; King came, do it all over again, he said.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is forced to restart their work repeatedly due to the arrival of various authorities or distractions. It is used to mock inefficiency, lack of progress caused by constant interruptions, or people who pretend to be busy by starting over whenever someone important watches.

From the hair itself, everything is borrowed for a monk's wedding.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to do something without having any necessary resources of their own, relying entirely on others or borrowed items from start to finish. Since a monk (sanyasi) has a shaved head, even the hair for a wedding makeover would need to be borrowed/arranged, symbolizing total lack of preparation or ownership.

Put the faultless man into the salt. If you cannot ruin him in any other way, put him into the Salt Depart- ment—there, you can easily bring a charge of dishonesty against him and get rid of him.

This proverb is used to describe an illogical, unjust, or tyrannical person who punishes someone innocent. Just as putting someone in salt is painful and destructive, the saying highlights the height of injustice where a person who has done nothing wrong is subjected to severe punishment due to someone's whim or arrogance.

A city that is not ours is a great city.

This proverb is used to describe how things often seem more impressive, grand, or attractive when we have no personal connection or responsibility towards them. It highlights the tendency to over-praise foreign places or unfamiliar situations while disregarding their flaws, simply because we don't have to deal with the daily realities or consequences of living there.

Oh you shy person, tell them I am not at home.

This proverb is used to mock someone who pretends to be too shy or scared to speak in public, yet speaks up easily when it serves their own convenience or interest. It highlights the irony of someone claiming to be 'tongue-tied' while simultaneously giving clear instructions.

The wealth of kings goes to stones and harlots. Kings addicted to debauchery spent their wealth in constructing houses, temples, &c. and also lavished much on their concubines instead of spend- ing their Revenue for the good of people they governed.

This proverb highlights how ill-managed or excessive wealth is often squandered on unproductive vanity projects (like grand stone monuments/forts) or hedonistic pleasures. It is used to caution against the misuse of resources and the inevitable waste that occurs when power and money are not directed toward the welfare of the people.

Mâdhavabhoṭlu gets a cold twice a year, and on each occa- sion it lasts six months. Said of a man always in hot water.

This proverb describes a situation that is persistent or continuous, often used to mock something that is supposed to be temporary but never actually ends. If a cold comes twice a year and lasts six months each time, it means the person is sick all year round. It is used to describe perpetual problems, chronic procrastinators, or things that are presented as occasional but are actually constant.

If you don't feed it grass, the cattle will wave its horns.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone expects results or cooperation without providing the necessary resources or incentives. It highlights that if you don't take care of someone's basic needs or fulfill your obligations, you cannot expect them to be submissive or productive; instead, they may react with defiance or frustration.

As if the sky had broken and fallen upon him. Said of any one sustaining a great shock by suddenly receiving bad news. Thunder-struck.

This expression is used to describe a sudden, overwhelming, or catastrophic event that happens unexpectedly. It conveys a sense of great shock or a situation where one feels like their entire world has collapsed instantly.