చాకలి అత్త, మంగలి మామ

This proverb describes a person who is intentionally argumentative or contradictory. It is used to mock someone who habitually gives opposite or nonsensical replies to whatever is said, making communication impossible.

This proverb is used to comment on a household or situation where social order, lineage, or professional consistency is completely disregarded or chaotic. It suggests that when the foundations or the elders are already unconventional or mixed up, there is no point in worrying about the specific details or identity of the younger generation. It is often used to describe a group of people with no common background or a disorganized situation where everything is already mismatched.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is putting on a show of success or celebration despite being surrounded by ruin or failure. It mocks a person who acts grandly while their basic environment or affairs are in shambles, similar to a house with a leaking roof (choorumangalam) having a grand celebration (jayamangalam) inside.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where something sophisticated, sacred, or highly intellectual is presented to an audience that cannot understand, appreciate, or value it. It signifies performing an action that is completely out of place or inappropriate for the given context or setting.

This expression is used to describe an absurd or illogical situation where a person interferes in a matter that they have absolutely no authority or legal standing over. It refers to someone trying to settle or decide an issue that does not involve them at all.

This expression describes a harsh or oppressive domestic environment, particularly referring to a household where elders are overly strict, demanding, and cruel toward a daughter-in-law. It is used to illustrate a situation of constant harassment and lack of peace at home.

This expression is used when someone is unjustly accused or criticized despite minding their own business. It implies that the speaker hasn't done anything wrong, shameful, or public that warrants such negative attention or harassment.

This proverb refers to traditional preferences in village life: a barber's razor or tools are considered better when they are 'old' (well-seasoned/tested), whereas a washerman is judged by how 'new' (clean/fresh) the clothes look. It is used to describe how different professions or situations require different standards—some value experience and age, while others value freshness and appearance.

This proverb highlights that partnering with people who are constantly wandering from house to house or who do not have a stake in agricultural production leads to a lack of savings or harvest. It is used to suggest that one should choose business partners whose interests and professional habits align with the goal of the venture, otherwise, the resources will be squandered or mismanaged.

This proverb advises on how to choose service providers based on the nature of their work. A new washerman (Chakali) is preferred because he will be more diligent and wash clothes cleaner to prove his worth. Conversely, an old barber (Mangali) is preferred because his experienced hands are less likely to cause cuts and he understands the client's preferences better.