చాప చిరిగితే చదరంత అయినా ఉండకపోతుందా?

This expression is used to highlight when someone is being excessively cautious, fragile, or lazy. Cotton slivers (ekulu) are extremely light; if someone suggests that such a light weight could break a basket, it implies they are making ridiculous excuses to avoid work or are being unnecessarily fearful of a harmless situation.

Ineffectual measures.

This proverb is used to convey that one must face the consequences of their past actions or destiny, whether they like it or not. It suggests that avoiding inevitable difficulties is impossible and that one should develop the fortitude to endure them.

This proverb describes a person with a spiteful or self-destructive mindset. It refers to someone who is so consumed by envy or rivalry that they would rather see their entire property or business destroyed than let their partner or rival get a single piece of it. It is used to criticize petty behavior where one loses everything just to spite another.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone claims to be finished with a large task, yet a fundamental, time-consuming preliminary step is still incomplete. It highlights a comical or ironic lack of logic, where the final result is impossible because the starting materials aren't even ready yet.

Paddy is an Anglo Indian term for rice in the husk. A hasty and ridiculous answer.

This proverb is a cynical take on human nature and gratitude. It suggests that acts of kindness, like feeding someone or gifting clothes, are temporary and soon forgotten, whereas a hurt, an insult, or a physical scar (metaphorically represented by a 'brand' or 'burn') is remembered for a lifetime. It is used to describe how people tend to dwell on negative experiences more than positive ones.

This proverb describes a difficult person or situation where any action leads to a negative outcome. If you ask for something or check in, they get annoyed (irritation), but if you stay quiet, they complain that you are ignoring them or being careless (negligence/paraku).

This proverb describes a difficult or 'no-win' situation, often referring to people who get annoyed when reminded of their duties but completely forget or neglect them if left alone. It highlights the frustration of dealing with someone who is both irritable and irresponsible.

This proverb is used to describe people who may appear quiet, weak, or inactive on the outside, but still retain their inherent dangerous nature or harmful qualities. It implies that a person's core character or 'venom' doesn't disappear just because they are not currently acting out.

This expression is used to describe a person who has high desires or grand ambitions but lacks the basic resources or means to fulfill them. It highlights the gap between one's wants and their actual capabilities or reality.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has lost their wealth or status but still maintains a level of dignity or quality that is superior to those who were never in that position. It implies that a greatness that has declined is still greater than mediocrity.