చీరే స్త్రీకి శృంగారం

This expression refers to hypocrisy or deception. It describes a situation or a person who appears attractive, noble, or pleasant on the outside while being corrupt, ugly, or malicious on the inside. It is equivalent to the English concept of a 'whitened sepulchre' or 'all that glitters is not gold'.

All saint without, all devil within.

This proverb is used to describe something that remains in its original, pristine condition because it has never been used or put into practice. It highlights that beauty or quality is only preserved perfectly when it is left untouched, often used sarcastically to refer to people who have knowledge but no practical experience, or items that are kept so safely that they serve no purpose.

This proverb emphasizes that just as a fort protects and dignifies a town, a quick and fitting reply (repartee) adds grace and completeness to a conversation. It is used to highlight the importance of effective communication and responsiveness in dialogue.

This proverb contrasts poverty and prosperity. It suggests that a person who lacks resources often resorts to complaining or seeking sympathy (crying) to gain attention, whereas a person with wealth or resources finds joy and pride in their family and possessions (children/stomach). It is used to describe how people's behaviors and sources of pride differ based on their socio-economic status.

This proverb highlights the difference in life's priorities and behaviors based on one's economic or social status. A person in poverty or misery often has nothing but their sorrow to express, while a wealthy or satisfied person finds beauty and fulfillment in their abundance and family. It is often used to describe how people's external expressions are dictated by their internal circumstances.

This proverb is used to describe a person who tries to maintain a false appearance of dignity or vanity even after facing a humiliating defeat or loss. It refers to someone who acts pretentious or focuses on superficialities when their fundamental situation is ruined or when they have been rejected.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of wit and timely responses in a conversation. Just as a fort provides grandeur and protection to a settlement, an apt and quick-witted reply enhances the quality and elegance of a dialogue.

This expression refers to a futile or meaningless action. It describes an effort that is wasted because the recipient or the situation cannot benefit from it, just as makeup or jewelry is useless on a dead body.

This expression is used to question someone who tries to find a positive or justifying excuse for every insult or bad behavior directed at them. It highlights that no matter how one tries to dress it up, an insult remains an insult.

This expression is used to describe a person who is deceptive or hypocritical. It refers to someone who maintains a polished, attractive, or virtuous appearance to the world while harboring wicked intentions, bad character, or inner turmoil. It is similar to the English phrase 'All that glitters is not gold' or 'A fair face and a foul heart'.