Social Norms

This proverb is used to criticize the act of judging an entire family or group based on the perceived physical flaws or mistakes of a single individual (specifically a new entrant like a daughter-in-law). It highlights that one person's traits do not define or diminish the status of the whole collective.

This proverb describes a situation where a victim who complains or reacts to an injury is blamed or vilified, while the person who actually caused the harm remains silent and is perceived as well-behaved. It is used to highlight unfair social judgment where silence is mistaken for goodness and expressing pain is seen as a lack of character.

This proverb is used to describe things that are uncontrollable or dangerous because they no longer follow their intended purpose or social boundaries. Just as an arrow that misses its target can hit anything unpredictably, a person who has cast aside their dignity or social restraints becomes reckless and difficult to manage.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the maintenance or overhead costs significantly exceed the actual value or size of the core object. It suggests that even for a small task or entity, the requirements or expenses involved can be disproportionately large.

This expression describes a person who is completely indifferent to the purpose or significance of an event and is solely focused on their own basic needs, like food. It is used to mock someone who lacks any intellectual curiosity or social awareness, prioritizing personal comfort or immediate gain above everything else.

This traditional proverb highlights the observation that daughters often take better care of their aging parents with comfort and respect (represented by chairs), whereas sons may neglect them or leave them with no proper place to stay (represented by the eaves of a wall or corners of a house).

This traditional expression highlights the auspiciousness and cultural significance of wearing a 'bottu' (bindi/vermilion) on the forehead. It suggests that a person (traditionally a woman) who wears it looks dignified, prosperous, and culturally complete, as if they possess great wealth or value.

This expression is used to describe a person who is living or growing up in an environment where they do not truly belong, or among people who are not their own. It often implies a situation where someone's true identity or superior talents are hidden or misplaced within a common or mismatched setting, just as a cuckoo bird lays its eggs in a crow's nest to be raised by the crow.

This expression suggests that the cleverness, resourcefulness, or subtle tactics used by women can often be overwhelming or perplexing for men to understand or deal with. It is often used to describe situations where a woman's wit or multi-tasking abilities outshine or frustrate a man.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb referring to the 'Karti' or solar mansions. Makha and Pubba are crucial periods for rainfall in the Telugu calendar. If it doesn't rain during these specific periods, it signifies a severe drought and a total failure of crops for the season.

This is a traditional proverb used to express that things lacking their essential quality or purpose are a burden or a waste. Just as tasteless food makes the act of eating from a plate useless, a marriage lacking attraction or compatibility is seen as dysfunctional in this archaic context. It is often used to emphasize that functionality and quality are vital for value.

This is a traditional agricultural observation or proverb related to weather patterns. It suggests that if clouds appear during the lunar month of Margasira (usually occurring in Nov-Dec), it is a precursor to rainfall in the month of Magha (Jan-Feb). It is used to describe predictable seasonal cycles or the relationship between specific weather signs and their eventual outcomes.

This expression refers to a time of immense prosperity or a golden age where everything one touches turns to gold. It describes a situation of extreme abundance where even inanimate or unlikely things yield valuable results.

This proverb advises one to maintain self-reliance and not to give up one's source of livelihood or basic skills just because of a temporary situation or new support (like marriage). It emphasizes that circumstances change, and one should always keep their 'tools of the trade' or means of independence intact.

This expression refers to individuals who are complete misfits or exceptions in their respective environments. Vibhishana was a righteous person among the demons of Lanka, while Surpanakha was a demoness causing chaos in the peaceful forest. It is used to describe someone whose character or behavior is the polar opposite of everyone else around them.

This proverb is a sarcastic way of describing a situation where there is no good choice available. It implies that even the 'best' option among the lot is flawed or mediocre, while the 'worst' option is completely devoid of any merit. It is used to mock someone's pretense of quality when even their best attributes are subpar.

This proverb advises caution in social and financial dealings. If you make a promise to a poor person and fail to keep it, their despair may lead to bitterness or social shame for you. Conversely, if you give a wealthy or powerful person space (or a foothold in your affairs/property), they may use their influence to eventually usurp or dominate you.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities. Just as a lazy person who consumes resources without contributing is a burden to their family, a person who evades taxes is considered a criminal against the government or society. It is used to highlight that negligence of duty is a form of dishonesty.

* Dat is het ambacht van dikken Michiel: drinken, eten, en wandelen.

This proverb highlights traditional societal expectations regarding behavior and presentation. It suggests that just as physical attractiveness and allure (niggu) are considered essential for a sex worker's profession, modesty and a sense of shame (siggu) are vital virtues for a woman leading a family life to maintain social respect and dignity.

This expression emphasizes that truth always triumphs in the end, providing strength and confidence, whereas lies lead to constant anxiety and the fear of being caught. It is used to encourage honesty as a path to a fearless life.