భోగందాని చల్లకు సంత సొరకాయ, గోటిగాట్లు ఎక్కువ

This expression is used to describe something that is of an awkward size or quality—too little for a significant purpose but too much for a trivial one. It refers to a person or thing that is caught in the middle, being neither here nor there, and therefore practically useless or difficult to categorize.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite putting in an immense amount of effort, there are no results or rewards. It highlights that failing or unproductive tasks often feel more exhausting and burdensome than successful ones because the hardship is not mitigated by a positive outcome.

This expression is used to mock someone who is telling blatant lies or sharing absurd, impossible stories. It highlights the ridiculousness of a claim, as a vegetable cannot lay an egg.

This proverb is used to describe things or people that are public property or overly accessible, making them subject to constant scrutiny, criticism, or handling by everyone who passes by. It implies that certain positions or objects naturally attract unwanted attention and wear due to their exposed nature.

This proverb highlights the opportunistic nature of people. People visit a person of influence (the courtesan) to maintain their relationship or gain favor when she is in mourning. However, once the person of influence herself is gone, there is no longer any personal gain to be had, so no one cares to visit. It is used to describe fair-weather friends and those who act only out of self-interest.

This proverb describes a person or object that is public property and is handled or critiqued by everyone without respect. Just as people in a market test the quality of gourds by pinching them with their fingernails, certain people are subjected to the whims and scrutiny of the public because of their vulnerable or public-facing position.

This proverb is used to describe things that are meant only for public display or show, but lack genuine utility, depth, or value. It refers to items or situations that might look attractive or impressive on the outside but are essentially hollow or for-sale assets with no lasting substance.

This expression means that you can only help someone to a certain extent; ultimately, they must rely on their own effort and ability to succeed. It is used when someone expects constant external support without putting in their own work.

This proverb is used to describe a person who does very little actual work but makes a huge fuss, creates unnecessary commotion, or tries too hard to appear busy. It characterizes someone who lacks efficiency but excels in pretending to be overwhelmed or ambitious.

This proverb is used to describe people who boast or show off without having any real substance or capability. Just as a cow that isn't milked looks like it has a large udder but yields nothing, or a weak cow is claimed to produce much milk, some people use appearances or tall tales to hide their lack of actual merit or performance.