అడ్డెడు వడ్ల ఆశకుబోతే, తూమెడు వడ్లు దూడ తినిపోయింది

This proverb describes a situation where a person suffers a large loss while chasing a very small gain. It is used to mock poor planning or misplaced priorities where the effort to earn something tiny results in neglecting and losing something much more valuable.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort put into a small gain results in a much larger loss elsewhere due to negligence. It is used when someone focuses on trivial tasks or minor savings while ignoring significant damages or massive waste occurring simultaneously.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person, driven by greed for a small gain, ends up suffering a much larger loss due to negligence. It highlights the foolishness of losing sight of one's existing assets while pursuing minor, insignificant benefits.

This proverb describes a situation where one incurs a massive loss while trying to save a small amount of money or while focusing on minor expenses. It is used to highlight poor management or irony when the overhead/accidental losses far exceed the actual cost of work.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort to earn a small gain results in a much larger loss. It is used when someone's attempt to save or earn a little bit of money backfires, leading to a significant setback or waste at home due to their absence or lack of oversight. (Note: A 'toomu' is a larger measurement than a 'kuncham'.)

A tūmu is a measure equal to 4 kunchams. One step forwards and two backwards.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort put into a small task results in a disproportionately large loss elsewhere due to negligence. It is used to mock people who focus on trivial matters while ignoring significant damage occurring right under their noses, or when the cost of an operation exceeds the benefit gained.

Tûm is the Indian bushel.

This expression is used to describe an incompatible or mismatched combination. Just as smooth yogurt and hard, prickly unhusked rice do not blend well or make for a pleasant meal, it refers to situations where two people, things, or ideas are brought together but do not fit or work in harmony.

This proverb describes a situation where someone loses something valuable or significant because they were too preoccupied or greedy for something small and insignificant. It is used to caution against being 'penny wise and pound foolish' or losing focus on the big picture due to minor distractions.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort spent on a small task results in a much larger loss due to negligence or lack of focus on the bigger picture. It is used when someone's trivial gains are outweighed by significant, preventable losses occurring simultaneously.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic, fundamental knowledge of a subject yet attempts to perform complex tasks within that field. It highlights the absurdity of someone skipping the basics and trying to handle advanced matters, leading to inevitable failure or confusion.