Time

This expression is used to describe someone who continues to maintain their stylish appearance, vanity, or graceful mannerisms even as they grow old. It suggests that while their youth is gone, their desire for beauty or their charming conduct remains unchanged.

This proverb serves as a metaphor for lack of foresight and planning. It refers to people who consume resources prematurely (eating the grains while they are still growing in the stalk) and then face scarcity when it is time for the actual harvest. It is used to describe individuals who spend their savings or resources impulsively and suffer in the long run.

This expression suggests that before forming a final judgment or making a decision, one should experience the situation (play), listen to all perspectives (listen), and then think deeply or investigate (analyze). It emphasizes a balanced and thorough approach to understanding things.

This expression highlights how repetition and persistence transform a simple action into something significant. It is often used to describe how a habit or a recurring thought, whether positive (spiritual/Rama) or negative (desire/Kama), eventually accumulates into a massive force or defines one's character.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who spends their time on useless talk, fabrications, or rumors (Pukkiti Puranalu) instead of acquiring real knowledge or performing meaningful work. It implies that a person lacking discipline and substance cannot handle serious or scholarly responsibilities.

This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words compared to the temporary nature of time. While moments pass and hardships are forgotten, a promise made or a hurtful word spoken stays in people's memories forever. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their speech and to honor their commitments.

This proverb is used to point out that it is useless to perform an action or provide a suggestion after the event or opportunity has already passed. It signifies that certain efforts are redundant or unnecessary when the time for them has lapsed.

This expression is used to convey that the true outcome or success of a project can only be determined after it is fully completed, rather than by making early assumptions or predictions.

A slight acquaintance suffices to tell what a man is made of.

This proverb is equivalent to 'don't cry over spilled milk'. It is used to suggest that once something has happened or a mistake has been made that cannot be undone, there is no use in feeling regret or sorrow about it; instead, one should move forward.

This expression refers to taking action or seeking a remedy after it is already too late. It is used to describe futile efforts to fix a situation that has already passed or been ruined, similar to the English idiom 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or 'crying over spilled milk.'

This expression refers to a short-lived marriage or a relationship that ends almost immediately after it begins. It is used to describe situations that are extremely temporary, unstable, or where a commitment is broken shortly after being made.

This expression highlights the immutable truths of nature and life. It is used to describe a situation where certain things are permanent and unchangeable (like a mountain), while others are transient and constantly in flux (like flowing valley water). It suggests accepting the inherent nature of people or situations.

This proverb suggests that one must experience worldly desires and fulfill their responsibilities before they can truly pursue spiritual enlightenment or liberation (Moksha). It implies that true detachment comes only after understanding attachment, or that the intensity required for worldly passion is the same intensity needed for spiritual pursuit.

This proverb emphasizes that habits, discipline, and character are best formed during childhood or the early stages of a process. If a person is not molded or corrected when they are young and flexible, it becomes nearly impossible to change them once they are grown and set in their ways. It is commonly used in discussions regarding parenting and early education.

This proverb describes people who are so overwhelmed by their work or circumstances that they lose track of time or physical comfort. A washerwoman (Chakali) is often so busy washing clothes until dark that she doesn't realize the day has ended, and those in extreme poverty or labor-intensive roles may work to the point where they don't even have the luxury of a proper bed or rest. It is used to describe tireless labor or being completely engrossed in one's duties.

This proverb is used to describe a state of detachment or bad luck where things simply don't fall into place despite effort. It implies that when circumstances are not favorable or when one's destiny is not aligned, no amount of 'lubrication' or extra effort can force a result. It is often used to describe someone who remains unaffected by situations or someone whose efforts are yielding no results due to bad timing.

This expression is used to describe something that is done incredibly fast, instantly, or with great ease. It is often used to refer to someone who accomplishes a task in a very short amount of time, sometimes implying a sense of magical or effortless speed.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timeliness and hard work in agriculture. 'Egili' refers to plowing early in the morning. It suggests that if one starts their work at the right time and follows a disciplined routine, success is guaranteed even for those who are not particularly skilled or powerful.

This proverb suggests that raw, bitter, or difficult beginnings can lead to sweet and rewarding outcomes. It is used to encourage patience and perseverance, highlighting that hard work or initial unpleasantness eventually transforms into something valuable and beneficial.

This expression is used to signify that one should never give up or lose heart as long as life continues. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'While there's life, there's hope.' It is often used to encourage someone facing difficult circumstances or a seemingly hopeless situation.