అరణ్యరోదనం

This expression highlights that anger often leads people to commit wrongful or sinful acts that they might later regret. It is used as a piece of advice to encourage self-control and emotional regulation, suggesting that one should stay calm to avoid negative consequences.

Anger is a sworn enemy. Anger is the fever and frenzy of the soul.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and timely weeding in agriculture. 'Bodanam' is a weed that mimics the appearance of rice plants; if a farmer identifies and removes it diligently, they will yield high-quality 'Rajanam' rice (a superior variety). It is used to suggest that eliminating negative elements or putting in specific effort leads to excellent results.

This expression describes someone who claims to be an expert in everything but lacks true focus or mastery in a specific trade. It refers to a person who tries to perform multiple roles (like a village head or accountant—Karanum) such as supervising livestock, managing communications, and bookkeeping, often used to mock someone who meddles in every task without doing any properly.

This proverb refers to someone who is in a critical, life-threatening situation where they are making desperate promises or sacrifices regardless of the outcome. It is often used to describe a 'win-win' situation for a priest or a middleman who benefits from a person's rituals whether they survive (through land offerings) or pass away (through cow offerings for the soul's journey).

This expression is used to describe a situation where the outcome remains the same regardless of which choice is made or which path is taken. It highlights that certain actions lead to the same result or require the same level of sacrifice, making the distinction between choices irrelevant.

This expression refers to an appeal, complaint, or request that goes unheard or unheeded. Just as crying in a dense forest where no one is around to help is futile, it is used to describe a situation where one's efforts to seek help or justice are completely ignored by others.

This is a sarcastic or humorous expression used when someone tries to mask their inability or unwillingness to do something as a noble act. It refers to a person who, when unable to offer money (gold), offers something else that is culturally 'virtuous' but perhaps inconvenient or irrelevant, effectively making an excuse for their lack of contribution.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to perform a major or final act while neglecting the fundamental or essential requirement. In a literal sense, it refers to the absurdity of performing 'Kanyadanam' (the ritual of giving a daughter away) when the 'Asalu' (the basic/original sum or person) is missing. It is often applied to people who try to claim credit for a result without putting in the necessary core investment or foundation.

This proverb emphasizes the social stigma and loss of self-respect associated with a man living off his wife's wealth or dowry (Aranam). It suggests that for a man with dignity, death is preferable to the humiliation of being dependent on his in-laws' property or a dowry-based lifestyle.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's own bias, negative mindset, or illness prevents them from appreciating something good or truthful. Just as a physical illness can distort one's sense of taste, a mental or emotional prejudice can make a person perceive a good thing as bad.