బడాయి బచ్చలికూరకు ధడా చింతపండు

This proverb describes a person who boasts or maintains high appearances (symbolized by the slightly more 'sophisticated' Malabar spinach) despite their actual circumstances being humble or common (represented by the everyday Amaranth). It is used to mock people who act superior but live ordinary lives, or those who pretend to be picky about things they cannot afford.

This expression describes a situation where effort, resources, or hard work are completely wasted and cannot be recovered. Just as tamarind dissolved in a flowing river vanishes without leaving a trace or making the river sour, certain actions yield no results or benefits despite the investment.

This proverb is used to describe someone who shows off a high status or wealth through grand words and arrogance, while in reality, they are struggling with basic necessities or are in a pathetic state. It highlights the irony of maintaining a false, boastful image despite extreme poverty or failure.

This expression refers to a situation where an effort, resource, or investment is completely wasted or becomes useless because it was applied in the wrong place or on too large a scale to make an impact. Just as a small amount of tamarind cannot change the taste of a flowing river, some actions are futile.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a third party is more bothered, excited, or concerned about an issue than the person directly involved. It highlights unnecessary interference or over-enthusiasm by someone who has no stake in the matter.

This proverb is used to describe someone who shows off their power or authority only over those who are weak or unable to resist. Just as rain makes a big impact on barren alkaline soil (where it serves no productive purpose) but is insignificant elsewhere, some men display their dominance only over their wives because they cannot exert influence in the outside world.

This proverb is used to describe a person who puts on a grand show of wealth or status to impress others while suffering in extreme poverty or lacking basic necessities behind the scenes. It mocks the irony of prioritizing false prestige over survival.

This expression is used to mock someone who brags or talks big despite lacking the financial means or the actual capability to back up their claims. It suggests that empty boasting by someone without resources is meaningless and ineffective.

This proverb describes where certain entities show off their power or influence. Just as rain is most noticeable on barren alkaline soil and a laborer takes pride in their specific dwelling area, a person often displays their dominance or arrogance where they have easy authority, such as a husband over his wife in a traditional domestic context. It is used to mock those who show strength only over the vulnerable or in limited domains.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a third party is more concerned, anxious, or reactive about an issue than the person directly involved. Just as the Yam (Kanda) causes itching but the Spinach (Bachali) cooked with it does not, it highlights the irony of meddling or overreacting to someone else's problems.

Bachchali is Basella Cordifolia ( the Indian spinach ).