దారినపోయే దానయ్య

This expression is used to suggest that small problems should be solved with simple solutions rather than overreacting or using excessive force. It highlights the importance of efficiency and choosing the right tool or approach for the task at hand.

Unnecessary labour.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily involves themselves in a problem that has nothing to do with them, thereby creating trouble for themselves. It is similar to the English expression 'inviting trouble' or 'poking one's nose into other's affairs.'

This proverb describes people who use silly or unnecessary excuses to avoid something that is actually desirable or appropriate. It specifically mocks those who observe superstitions (like 'Varjyam' or inauspicious timing) at the wrong moments or to an absurd extent, thereby missing out on opportunities or natural events.

This proverb highlights a social and economic irony where the rich often receive more gifts, benefits, or favors from others regardless of the giver's own status. While the wealthy help each other to maintain status, the poor also feel compelled to give to the rich out of social pressure, hope for future favors, or fear. It describes a world where resources naturally flow toward those who already have plenty, rather than those in need.

Who has, is—(Italian.)*

This expression is used to describe someone who makes impossible, absurd, or impractical claims or demands. It highlights the ridiculousness of trying to count or measure something that is out of reach and constantly moving, often used to mock someone's boastfulness or a useless inquiry.

This proverb suggests that certain flaws, stubborn behaviors, or crooked traits in a person can only be corrected through harsh experiences, punishment, or the ultimate reality of life. Just as heat makes a bent stick straight or consumes it, difficult circumstances or strict discipline are sometimes the only ways to reform a difficult character.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily invites trouble or a nuisance into their life when it was not their concern. It is equivalent to the English concept of 'looking for trouble' or 'inviting a headache.'

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily involves themselves in someone else's problems or creates a new trouble for themselves by interfering in matters that do not concern them. It highlights the foolishness of inviting avoidable conflict or legal issues into one's life.

This proverb describes a person who fails to notice large, significant losses or obvious mistakes (represented by the pumpkin) but spends excessive effort worrying about or analyzing trivial, insignificant matters (represented by the mustard seed). It is equivalent to the English idiom 'Penny wise, pound foolish'.

This proverb is used to describe a person who ignores major, significant problems or opportunities (the elephant) and instead focuses all their attention on trivial, insignificant matters (the mosquitoes). It highlights a lack of priority and wasting effort on petty issues.