అవ్వ వడికిన నూలు తాత మొలతాటికి సరి

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the effort or investment put into a task is exactly equal to the reward or result gained, leaving no profit or surplus. It refers to a break-even scenario or a hand-to-mouth existence where one works just enough to survive.

This expression is used to describe someone who is acting overly smart, being cunning, or plotting a subtle and intricate plan to deceive others. It implies that the person is meticulously crafting a scheme, much like the patience required to spin very fine thread.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort put into a task is exactly equal to the reward or compensation received, resulting in no net gain or profit. It is used to express that someone's hard work only managed to cover their basic sustenance or expenses, leaving them in a break-even state.

This expression highlights the importance of situational awareness and positioning oneself correctly to avoid trouble or inconvenience. Just as a tailor's elbow moves outward to the right while sewing, and a person blowing their nose leans or gestures to the left, being in those specific spots results in getting hit or soiled. It is used to advise someone to be mindful of their surroundings and avoid 'danger zones' in any given context.

This proverb highlights the irony of human traditions where people spend extravagantly on funeral rituals and feasts for the deceased, often by borrowing money, which leaves the surviving family members in deep financial distress. It is used to criticize performative social customs that prioritize ritualistic honor over the practical welfare of the living.

This is an old proverb used to express skepticism towards individuals who lack traditional identifiers or social markers of accountability. It suggests that a person with no roots (house name), no identifiable features, or who doesn't follow local customs is difficult to hold responsible or trust. In modern usage, it serves as a metaphor for being cautious of people who lack transparency or have no stake in the local community.

This proverb describes a situation where the output of a long or laborious effort is so meager that it barely covers the most basic or personal requirement, leaving nothing for others or for the intended purpose. It is used to mock inefficiency or projects where the results are disproportionately small compared to the time and effort invested.

This proverb is used when the pleasure or satisfaction derived from an action is completely offset or negated by the resulting loss or trouble. It describes a break-even situation where the gain was not worth the cost, or where the damage done balances out the enjoyment felt.

This proverb highlights the importance of having experienced elders (like a grandmother) to manage and guide a household, just as a standard unit of measure (like the traditional 'thavva') is essential for accurate transactions. It signifies that wisdom and proper standards are foundational for a stable life.

This expression describes a hypocritical or manipulative action where someone intentionally causes harm or distress to another person and then pretends to offer comfort or sympathy. It is often used to call out those who create a problem just to act as the savior later.