అన్నం అడిగినవాడికి సున్నం పెట్టినట్లు

This proverb describes a situation where a person expects help or kindness but receives something harmful or insulting in return. It highlights the behavior of mean-spirited or heartless people who mock others' genuine needs or suffering instead of showing empathy.

This expression describes an act of futility or foolishness. In the past, people chewing betel leaves would need lime (sunnam). It is impossible for a person walking on the ground to reach someone high up on an elephant to ask for or receive lime. It is used to mock someone who makes impractical requests or expects help from people who are physically or socially out of reach at that moment.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task or fulfills an obligation with great reluctance, lack of interest, or while complaining, rather than doing it willingly or happily. It implies that the person is doing something just for the sake of finishing it, often ruining the spirit of the activity.

This expression describes extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It refers to a person who harms their benefactor or someone who has helped them in their time of need. It is used to condemn the act of biting the hand that feeds you.

This expression describes a situation where someone asks for something very small or insignificant from a person who is in a high position, a hurry, or currently engaged in a much larger, grander task. In the past, people chewing betel leaves would need lime (sunnam), and asking someone atop an elephant to stop just for a pinch of lime is considered impractical and foolish.

This expression describes an absurd or impossible request made at an inappropriate time or situation. Lime (sunnam) is typically used for chewing betel leaves and is carried in small containers. It is illogical to stop someone high up on an elephant to ask for something so trivial and physically difficult to reach, signifying a lack of common sense in making requests.

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to perform a very fine or meticulous task backfires, resulting in total destruction or waste of resources. It is used when someone's over-ambition or lack of skill in handling delicate matters leads to a complete mess instead of the intended perfection.

This expression describes an act of extreme greed or unreasonable demands. It refers to a situation where a person who is already struggling with a heavy burden is further troubled by someone demanding taxes or fees for that very labor. It is used when authorities or individuals impose unfair costs on basic necessities or hard-earned work.

This proverb is used to describe extreme ingratitude or shamelessness. It refers to a person who, after receiving basic help or food from a benefactor, inappropriately demands more or makes lewd, ungrateful requests. It highlights the behavior of someone who forgets the help received and acts with total lack of character.

This proverb emphasizes the fundamental importance of agriculture and the farmer's role in society. It suggests that regardless of one's education, status, or intellectual achievements, everyone is ultimately dependent on the hard work of the farmer for their basic survival.