అడుగనియ్యని వాడే పెనులోభి

This proverb highlights a practical reality: while a donor may have a generous heart, they cannot help if they have no resources. In contrast, a miser possesses wealth that might eventually be accessed, used by others, or circulated in the economy, making their existence more practically useful to society than the empty-handed generosity of a poor person.

This proverb describes how a person who is too greedy or miserly often ends up losing everything. It is used when someone's attempt to save a small amount of money or resources leads to a greater loss in two or more ways, or when they lose both the original investment and the expected gain.

* वरमेको गुणी पुत्रो न च मूर्खशतैरपि। एकश्चन्द्रस्तमो हन्ति न च तारागणैरपि॥

This proverb explains that a miser, in an attempt to save small amounts of money, often ends up facing much larger losses or multiple disadvantages. It is used to highlight how extreme stinginess can backfire, leading to poor quality of life, loss of reputation, and eventual financial or material waste.

This proverb highlights that a wealthy person who is stingy (a miser) is still more useful in a society or economy than someone who has a generous heart but no resources to actually give. It is used to emphasize that practical capability often outweighs good intentions when there is a lack of means.

This proverb highlights certain basic or inherent traits attributed to genders in traditional society. It implies that everyone possesses some fundamental skills or natural inclinations—suggesting that cooking simple staples is a basic skill for women and humming or showing interest in music/art is a basic trait in men. It is often used to describe common human nature or universal behaviors.

Kuḍumu is a common kind of cake. Applied to things which are very common.

In the absence of competent leaders or wise people, even an unqualified or insignificant person can assume a position of power or authority. It is used to describe a situation where someone takes charge simply because there is no one better available.

This proverb describes the nature of stingy people who view anyone who doesn't request money or favors as wise or respectable. It is used to mock misers who judge a person's character solely based on whether they are a financial burden to them or not.

This proverb describes the nature of stingy people. A miser appreciates those who do not demand money or favors, often valuing them more than those with actual merit. It is used to mock people who measure others' worth based on how little they cost or ask for.

This proverb highlights that a greedy or stingy person often ends up losing more than they save. Due to their excessive desire to save money, they might compromise on quality, health, or relationships, eventually leading to bigger financial or personal losses from multiple directions.

This expression is used to describe something that is bland, incomplete, or lacking its essential flavor or excitement. Just as salt is vital for dal and pickle is the necessary accompaniment for fermented curd rice (saddi), a situation or a person's talk without substance is considered dull and unappealing.