అభిమానానికి మంగలికత్తులు మింగినట్లు

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to hide a very obvious mistake or an impossible situation with a clumsy excuse. It refers to the absurdity of doing something difficult (climbing a tall palm tree) and then attempting something impossible or highly visible (swallowing a large iron crowbar) while thinking no one will notice.

This proverb is used to describe a hypocrite who pretends to be innocent, shy, or ascetic in public (a 'Nanganachi') but acts greedily when given the chance. It highlights the contrast between a person's fake outward humility and their inner greed.

This expression is used when a person of good character or noble nature is forced to endure insults, harsh words, or an unpleasant situation. It highlights the contrast between the person's inherent goodness and the bitterness they are currently experiencing.

This expression refers to a job done very poorly, unevenly, or incompletely. It describes a situation where a task is performed haphazardly, leaving patches of unfinished work, much like an unskilled barber leaving patches of hair on a head.

The pilgrims who visit the sacred hill of Tirupati have to be shaved before entering the temple. The barbers in their greediness to secure customers are said to keep numbers round them half shaven, leaving off one to commence another. Dabbling in many things, but completing none.

This expression is used to describe something that appears intact on the outside but is completely hollow or empty on the inside. It originates from the folk belief that when an elephant swallows a wood apple, the fruit remains whole through the digestive process, but the pulp inside disappears mysteriously. It is often used to refer to sudden losses, empty promises, or wealth that vanishes without a trace.

This expression is used to describe a job that is done extremely poorly, clumsily, or incompletely. It refers to someone who lacks the necessary skill or patience, resulting in a 'patchy' or disastrous outcome, much like a barber who leaves tufts of hair everywhere.

This expression is used to describe an exceptionally delicious meal or a masterfully cooked dish. It refers to King Nala and the Pandava prince Bhima from Hindu mythology, both of whom were renowned for their extraordinary culinary skills.

This proverb describes a person who is detached or has nothing left to lose. Just as a tree without leaves or branches offers no resistance to the wind and remains unaffected, a person with no attachments, wealth, or ego cannot be troubled or swayed by external threats or worldly problems.

This expression refers to a situation where something appears whole on the outside but is actually empty or hollow on the inside. It is based on the folk belief that when an elephant swallows a wood apple (Velaga Pandu), the fruit remains intact visually, but the pulp inside is mysteriously consumed or evaporated by the time it is excreted. It is used to describe empty promises, hollow assets, or things that have lost their essence while maintaining their form.

It is swallowed whole, and is said to be found afterwards empty though unbroken. Said of a person in an influential position who does not benefit others.

This proverb refers to a situation where something appears whole on the outside but is completely empty or hollow inside. It originates from the myth that when an elephant eats a wood-apple (Velagapandu), the pulp is digested through the shell, leaving the fruit looking intact but empty when it passes through. It is used to describe wasted efforts, lost opportunities, or things that have lost their internal substance despite outward appearances.