Laziness

I am covered in cobwebs because there are no prayers or rituals, but offer me some food and see how I show my power, said the deity.

This expression is used to describe someone who blames their lack of success or performance on a lack of resources or opportunities. It mocks people who claim they would be great if only they were given favors or benefits first, often used when someone is making excuses for their current state of neglect or laziness.

One who swallows fruit without taking off the skin. A glutton.

This expression describes an extremely lazy or impatient person who wants the end results or benefits without putting in any effort or performing the necessary preliminary tasks. It is often used to mock someone who expects things to be handed to them on a silver platter.

Hands that do not work, a mouth that does not eat.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity of labor and the principle of self-reliance. It suggests that one who is unwilling to work or put in the effort does not deserve to enjoy the fruits or benefits. It is used to motivate someone to work hard or to critique laziness.

If it becomes cheap, it comes to the marketplace.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is only willing to do something or offer their services when it requires very little effort or when the risk is extremely low. It is often used to mock someone who avoids responsibility or hard work but suddenly appears when things become easy or free.

When asked to clear the leaves (plates), counting the number of plates instead.

This proverb describes a person who avoids doing the actual work assigned to them by engaging in useless calculations or trivial details. It is used to mock someone who makes excuses or performs unnecessary side-tasks to delay or evade their primary responsibility.

Beginning heroism

This expression describes people who show great enthusiasm, energy, and courage at the start of a task but quickly lose interest or give up before completion. It is used to criticize a lack of perseverance or consistency.

By the time the Šeṭṭi had equipped himself, the whole town was plundered.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's extreme procrastination or excessive focus on trivial preparations leads to a major disaster or a missed opportunity. It is used to criticize people who are slow to act when immediate action is required.

He brings his machines after the war is over.

There is nothing which an invalid will not ask for; and there is nothing which an envious man will not say.

This proverb describes human nature regarding laziness and jealousy. It implies that a person who is unable or unwilling to work (incapable) often makes grand demands or wishes for things without effort, while a person who cannot tolerate others' success (envious) will spread rumors or say anything to belittle them. It is used to criticize those who talk big but do nothing, or those who gossip out of spite.

Should what was written for Sita be written for the whole world?

This expression is used to describe an extremely slow or tedious writer. It implies that the person is taking so much time to write a simple letter or note that it feels as if they are documenting the history of an entire region (Seema). It is used to mock someone's inefficiency or unnecessary delay in completing a simple writing task.

He sits down at the father-in-law's feast and gets up at the mother-in-law's feast.

This expression describes a person who is extremely lazy or an opportunist who overstays their welcome. It refers to someone who starts eating when one meal begins and continues sitting there until the next meal starts, essentially doing nothing but eating and lingering for a very long time.

He can't stand up once he sits down, he can't even lift a curry pot, but my brother-in-law comes to beat me, and it makes me laugh.

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.

A loose loincloth tuck and a house without a lock.

This proverb highlights the danger of negligence and lack of discipline. Just as a loose tucking of a garment can lead to embarrassment and a house without a lock is an invitation to thieves, a person without self-control or a system without security is prone to failure and ruin. It is used to advise someone to be firm and secure in their actions.

Nancharamma's cooking and the sighting of the stars happen at the same time.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely slow at performing tasks, particularly cooking. It implies that by the time the person finishes their work, the stars have already come out in the night sky. It highlights excessive delay or procrastination.

Like a pig in the mire.

This expression is used to describe someone who is in their element or perfectly happy in a situation that others might find dirty, messy, or unpleasant. It can also refer to a person who is lazy and refuses to leave a stagnant or bad situation because they find it comfortable.

One earns, while another calculates.

This proverb describes a situation where one person works hard to earn wealth or resources, while someone else (often an idle person or an inheritor) spends, manages, or simply keeps track of that wealth. It is used to highlight the contrast between the person doing the labor and the person enjoying or controlling the benefits.

An incompetent husband is the same whether he is inside the house or out on the street.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is useless or incapable of performing their duties. It suggests that if someone lacks the skill or will to help, their physical presence or absence makes no difference to the outcome of a situation. It is often applied to lazy or incompetent individuals in a household or workplace context.

Counting Pisces and Aries

This expression refers to a person who is indecisive or procrastinating. It describes the act of unnecessarily delaying a decision or action by over-analyzing minor details, similar to someone idly staring at the stars and counting zodiac signs instead of focusing on the task at hand.

Alli Saheb who went to see someone off and Peeru Saheb who went to call someone back have no worries.

This proverb is used to describe people who go out on a task but forget their original purpose, get distracted, or take an unnecessarily long time to return, showing a complete lack of concern for the work they were sent to do.

A lady who can't walk must have carriages on all sides. Said of a lazy woman.

This proverb is used to describe a person who claims to be incapable or weak, yet demands or enjoys excessive luxuries and conveniences. It highlights the irony of someone who lacks basic abilities but has high-maintenance requirements.

When asked to cook Vada (Garelu), showing a finger instead.

This expression describes a situation where someone gives a vague, dismissive, or minimal response when asked to perform a significant task. It refers to a person who avoids responsibility or work by making a simple gesture instead of actually putting in the effort required. It is used to mock laziness or unhelpful behavior.