భయమైనా ఉండాలి, భక్తి అయినా ఉండాలి

This proverb describes a situation where someone wants to achieve a result without any expenditure or effort. It is used to criticize unrealistic expectations or stinginess, highlighting that you cannot expect growth or progress if you are unwilling to use the necessary resources.

This proverb is used to describe a state of complete prosperity and health. It expresses the wish or situation where wealth (grains) remains intact and undiminished, while the children of the house grow up to be strong, robust, and healthy.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or highly selfish desire where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of something without any of the associated costs or natural consequences. In this context, it refers to wanting children to be healthy and grow (like sturdy logs) while simultaneously wishing that they never consume the food in the house. It highlights a paradoxical or stingy mindset.

This traditional proverb advises on social and financial conduct: avoid the attention of authorities or the state to prevent taxes and legal troubles, but always remain visible and available to your creditors (moneylenders) to maintain trust and prove your integrity in repaying debts.

This expression is used to illustrate that resources, secrets, or wealth cannot be preserved or accumulated if the container (or person) is fundamentally flawed or lacks integrity. Just as water leaks from a pot with holes, efforts spent on a person with bad habits or a system with deep flaws will always go to waste.

This proverb describes extreme hypocrisy or malicious intent disguised as sympathy. It refers to a person who pretends to be sad about a tragedy while secretly wishing for, or even causing, the worst possible outcome for another. It is used to mock people who act like well-wishers but harbor deep-seated enmity.

This proverb highlights the importance of social status or convenience in one's place of residence. Having authority gives power and respect, while owning land near the village limits (close to home) ensures agricultural convenience and prosperity. It is used to suggest that for a comfortable and influential life, one needs either administrative power or valuable, accessible resources.

This proverb highlights the importance of social status and economic convenience. It suggests that to live comfortably and successfully in a community, one should either possess political/social power (authority) or own fertile land close to the village (utility/wealth) to ensure easy management and prosperity.

This expression is used to describe a small but sincere contribution to a much larger cause. It originates from the Ramayana, where a small squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying tiny grains of sand. It is used when someone wants to humbly acknowledge that while their help might be minimal in the grand scheme of things, it is offered with great sincerity.

This expression is used to question someone's true motives. It suggests that a person might be performing a task or showing devotion not out of genuine interest or sincerity, but because of the personal benefits or rewards (like the offerings/undrallu) associated with it. It is similar to the English concept of 'ulterior motives'.