భార్య చేతి పంచభక్ష్యపరమాన్నములకన్నా తల్లి చేతి తవిటి రొట్టె నయము.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is fickle, irresponsible, or lacks judgment is given control over something dangerous or sensitive. Just as a monkey doesn't know how to handle a snake safely—either hurting itself, the snake, or others by swinging it around—giving power or a delicate task to an incompetent person leads to unpredictable and harmful consequences.

This expression refers to a situation where a mediator takes advantage of two quarreling parties for their own gain. It is based on a fable where a monkey, asked to settle a dispute between two cats over a piece of bread, eats the entire bread bit by bit while pretending to equalize the portions. It is used to warn against letting a cunning third party intervene in a dispute.

This proverb is used to describe a person who handles large challenges or massive tasks effortlessly, implying that a minor version of that task is trivial for them. It plays on the name 'Lakshmayya' and the word 'Lakshyam' (target/concern). It is similar to saying 'A person used to dealing with thousands won't blink at a single rupee.'

This expression is used to describe a situation where a valuable object or a position of responsibility is given to someone who is incapable of understanding its value or doesn't know how to handle it properly, eventually leading to its destruction.

A good thing thrown away on a stupid person.

This is a traditional proverb highlighting gender-stereotypical roles from the past. It suggests that a mirror in a woman's hand will break because she uses it too frequently, and a baby in a man's hand will not thrive because he lacks the natural nurturing patience or skill required for childcare. In modern usage, it is often cited to remark on the lack of care or the inherent risk of mishandling something when it is not in the hands of an 'expert' or 'natural' caretaker.

This proverb is used to highlight the difference in the magnitude of loss. It suggests that while any loss is unfortunate, the loss of someone closer or more essential (like a mother) is far more devastating than the loss of someone relatively less central (like a stepmother or aunt). It is often used to prioritize or compare two negative outcomes, indicating that one is comparatively more bearable than the other.

This proverb highlights the endless and complex nature of certain conflicts. Disputes with one's spouse (Ramayanam) are often long-winded and emotional, while disputes regarding property or inheritance among partners/relatives (Bharatam) are intense and destructive. It is used to describe household or familial conflicts that seem never-ending.

This expression is used to suggest that it is better to hear something blunt or even incorrect rather than being given false promises or misleading information that is never fulfilled. It emphasizes the frustration of broken commitments.

This proverb highlights the incomparable value of a mother's selfless love and affection. It suggests that even the simplest, poorest meal served with a mother's pure love is far more satisfying and superior to a lavish banquet served by anyone else, including one's spouse. It is used to express the sentiment that nothing can replace the nurturing quality of a mother.

This expression is used when someone exploits or betrays the trust of a person who relied on them for help, often by dragging the victim down to their own miserable level or situation instead of uplifting them. It describes a situation where seeking assistance results in being burdened with the helper's own problems.