Irony

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.

This proverb describes the extremes of luck or fortune. It refers to a person's current 'luck streak'—when someone is highly successful, even their smallest efforts (mud) yield great results (gold). Conversely, when someone is going through a period of extreme misfortune, even their most valuable assets or best efforts fail miserably.

This proverb is used to describe work that is of poor quality, unreliable, or amateurish. It refers to people attempting tasks for which they lack true expertise, resulting in something mediocre or untrustworthy. It is often used to mock someone's superficial skills.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely stubborn or completely ignores a refusal or a 'no'. It suggests that no matter how much you deny or refuse, the person remains unaffected and continues to behave as they please, much like an old stereotype of someone pretending not to hear or understand.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks even the most basic resources or money but makes grand, boastful claims or undertakes projects far beyond their means. It highlights the irony of having big aspirations or showing off when one cannot even afford the bare minimum.

A cash ( Kāsu ) equals about one fortieth of a penny. Penniless, but bragging of having a plum.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the person causing a problem is completely unaware or indifferent to the suffering they are causing. Just as a louse living on a head doesn't care about the irritation it causes the person, an insensitive person doesn't understand the pain their actions inflict on others.

This expression is used when someone is reluctant or complaining about doing their primary duty or the very task they were hired or expected to do. It highlights the irony of someone hesitating to perform their core responsibility.

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.

This proverb describes a situation where those who are doing the actual work or are in genuine need are neglected, while unnecessary resources are spent on rituals or symbolic objects. It is used to criticize irony in management or charity where the living/deserving are ignored in favor of the inanimate or superficial.

Caring for the dead and neglecting the living.

This proverb describes a situation where there is a total lack of coordination or unity among a group of people. It is used when every individual in a group is acting according to their own whims and fancies, with the most difficult or stubborn person causing the most trouble or being completely out of sync with the rest.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who has already caused major damage or failed completely starts worrying about trivial, insignificant details. It is used to mock people who focus on minor etiquette or perfectionism after a major disaster has already occurred due to their own fault.

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.

This proverb highlights the difference between seeing a destination and actually reaching it. While an object or place might look close to the eyes, the physical effort and distance required to walk there can be significant. It is used to caution someone that planning or visualizing a task is much easier than the actual physical execution of it.

This is a sarcastic expression used to mock someone's complete lack of good character. While it starts as a compliment (32 qualities signify perfection), the 'two missing' qualities are 'Sathyam' (Truth) and 'Shaucham' (Purity/Cleanliness), implying the person is a liar and a scoundrel.

* Continuanza diventa usanza.

This expression is used to describe something that is completely impossible, highly improbable, or a miracle. A dry, dead wooden pestle (rokali) can never grow new leaves or buds; therefore, it refers to situations where a hopeless cause suddenly shows life or an impossible task is claimed to be achieved.

This expression emphasizes the power of eloquence and persuasive communication. It implies that through skillful speech, wit, or clever storytelling, one can win over even the most fearsome, stern, or difficult people.

This proverb describes a person who ignores their immediate and primary responsibilities (like taking care of their own family) to focus on unnecessary, inappropriate, or secondary matters. It is used to mock someone's misplaced priorities and hypocrisy.

This expression means that people will always criticize or gossip about those who are successful or moving forward. It suggests that one should ignore petty criticism and stay focused on their own path or goals. It is used to advise someone not to be distracted by the noise of detractors.

This expression is used to describe an activity, project, or performance that is so poorly executed or ineffective that it doesn't even justify the basic cost of the resources consumed (like the oil used in lamps for light during an old-time play). It signifies a complete waste of time, effort, and resources.

This proverb describes a situation where a task is accomplished or a problem is solved through a mutual, albeit often imperfect or slow, process. It refers to a scenario where someone (the mother-in-law) is overly anxious for something to happen, and the other person (the son-in-law) eventually learns to do it, matching their pace or satisfying the demand just in time. It is often used to describe situations involving mutual adjustment or sarcastic commentary on someone finally learning something after much pestering.