Irony

This expression highlights that merit or quality is inherent to the material or person, not derived solely from their pedigree or source. It means that even if someone is associated with greatness (like the famous mathematician Bhaskaracharya), their basic or unsuitable attributes cannot be transformed into something high-quality or divine beyond their nature.

This proverb describes a situation where someone unnecessarily invites trouble or problems by speaking up when they should have remained silent. It is used when a person's own words or actions lead to a negative consequence that could have been avoided if they had just kept quiet.

This expression describes a situation where someone takes a small or inadequate measure to deal with a larger problem, or acts with excessive caution/hesitation when a quick or direct action is needed. It refers to someone barely touching their food because it is too hot to handle.

This expression means that building up false or unrealistic expectations and the subsequent disappointment when they fail leads to deep sadness. It is used to caution people against harborning unfulfilled or vanity-driven desires, suggesting that attachment to such hopes is the root of suffering.

* Etre entre le marteau et l'enclume. † No lo quiero, no lo quiero, maséchadme lo en la capilla. ‡ Haabe og vente er Giekerente.

This expression is used to describe someone's impatience or redundant questioning. It refers to a situation where a result is imminent or an action is already in progress, making the inquiry unnecessary because the person will find out the answer themselves in a matter of moments.

This traditional proverb suggests that women often think of consequences or solutions after an event has occurred (hindsight). In a modern context, it is also interpreted as women having an alternative or deeper perspective on things that men might overlook.

This proverb is equivalent to 'There is no smoke without fire.' It suggests that rumors or accusations usually have some basis in truth, or that an effect must have a cause.

If you had not meddled with a bad business you would not have got a bad name. He who touches pitch defiles himself. ( Italian. )*

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone talks excessively or boasts loudly without taking any action, eventually losing their respect or credibility. It signifies that constant complaining or noise-making without productivity leads to being ignored or devalued, much like a barking dog that is eventually disregarded.

This expression is used to describe people who offer empty words of affection or grand promises without providing any actual help or fulfilling basic responsibilities. It highlights the hypocrisy of someone claiming to care deeply while neglecting the person's fundamental needs.

This expression refers to hypocrisy or ungratefulness. It describes a situation where someone enjoys the benefits or hospitality provided by another (the food on the plate) but speaks ill of them or behaves in a cheap, sycophantic, or deceitful manner afterwards. It is used to criticize people who are double-tongued or those who do not show proper respect to their benefactors.

This expression is used to describe people who possess theoretical knowledge or have learned the basics (literacy) but lack practical application or proof of their abilities. It highlights the gap between superficial learning and meaningful results or execution.

This is a humorous and sarcastic folk saying used to mock someone who is physically weak, lazy, or incompetent yet tries to act tough or exert authority. It highlights the irony of a person who lacks the strength for basic daily tasks but puts on an aggressive front.

This proverb highlights the pointlessness of expecting anything from those who are unwilling or unable to provide. Just as a miser refuses to part with his wealth despite having it, the house of a widow (in historical social contexts) was considered a place where no festivities or bountiful rituals could occur. It is used to describe situations where regardless of the occasion, the outcome remains equally barren or unhelpful.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a problem or symptom appears in an inanimate object or an unrelated third party instead of the actual person or source involved. It highlights the absurdity of blaming or finding faults in something that shouldn't be affected while the main actors are perfectly fine.

This proverb is used to mock people who expect grand assistance or royal treatment while performing simple or lowly tasks. It highlights the irony of someone who is barely managing a basic existence (drinking humble porridge) yet acts so superior or lazy that they need help to keep their mustache out of the bowl.

Said of a poor man trying to appear grand. A proud mind and a poor purse are ill met.

This proverb is used to describe situations where the negative consequences or the bad reputation remain the same regardless of the magnitude or nature of the act. It implies that once a person is associated with a bad habit or a wrongdoing, people will judge them equally whether they did something small or something large.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to teach a skill or a task to a person who lacks the basic tools, capability, or inherent nature to perform it. It highlights the futility of an effort when the subject is fundamentally unsuited for the goal.

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 expression suggests that a person with a mean or narrow-minded nature is incapable of true respect or spiritual devotion. It is used to point out that genuine reverence and character go hand-in-hand, and one cannot expect noble qualities like 'Guru Bhakti' (devotion to a teacher) from someone with a corrupt heart.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities or cannot afford simple things, yet dreams of or demands luxury. It highlights the irony of having high aspirations or expensive tastes without having the foundational means to support them.