చేను చేసి చెడలేదు, చెడ్డ చేసి బ్రతకలేదు.

This traditional agricultural proverb highlights the risks and rewards associated with different types of farming. It suggests that dry-land cultivation (Chenu) is generally reliable and rarely leads to total ruin, whereas wet-land cultivation (Madi), despite its high yield potential, involves high costs and risks that often make it difficult for a farmer to truly prosper or remain stable.

This expression is used to describe an inappropriate or ironic celebration during a time of loss or failure. It highlights the absurdity of celebrating at home when the primary source of livelihood (the field/crop) is destroyed.

This expression highlights that communication skills and articulateness are essential for survival and success. It is used to describe situations where someone makes a living or gets things done through their power of speech, persuasion, or sometimes by being vocal and assertive about their needs.

This proverb is used to criticize excessive or unnecessary security, decoration, or attention given to something that is fundamentally worthless or poor in quality. It implies that when the core object is of no value, the elaborate efforts to protect or showcase it are a waste.

This proverb highlights that building a home and organizing a marriage are the two most challenging and resource-intensive tasks in a person's life. It suggests that one only understands the true extent of the effort, financial strain, and unforeseen difficulties involved once they actually undertake these responsibilities.

This proverb emphasizes that hard work leads to fruitful results, while laziness or procrastination leads to waste and decay. It is used to motivate someone to put in effort to reap rewards rather than letting opportunities rot away.

This expression is used to highlight that blame often lies with the perpetrator or natural circumstances rather than the inanimate victim. Just as a sari cannot stop a moth from eating it and a field cannot stop a pest from infesting it, some damage is inevitable when an external destructive force acts upon something passive. It is often used to sarcastically question why someone is blaming the victim for the harm caused by others.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity and reliability of agriculture. It suggests that hard work in farming consistently provides a livelihood and never leads to a person's downfall. It is used to encourage people to trust in honest labor and the fertility of the land.

This proverb warns against the dangers of reckless financial behavior and overconfidence. It compares taking excessive loans to the fatal mistake of letting go of a branch while high up in a tree; both actions lead to certain downfall. It is used to advise people to live within their means and avoid risky situations created by their own negligence.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of charity and generosity. It suggests that one does not become poor by helping others, and since we cannot take our wealth with us after death, it is better to use it for good while alive.

* Giv Skalken et Spand, han tager vel heel Alen. † Con una cautela otra se quiebra. ‡ A celui qui a son paté au four on peut donner de son gâteau.