దయ్యం కొట్టనూ బిడ్డ బ్రతకనూ

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite putting in effort, resources, or expensive remedies, the desired result is not achieved. It signifies a futile attempt where the investment (symbolized by the medicinal castor oil) is lost without saving the outcome (symbolized by the child).

This is a traditional proverb highlighting gender-stereotypical roles from the past. It suggests that a mirror in a woman's hand will break because she uses it too frequently, and a baby in a man's hand will not thrive because he lacks the natural nurturing patience or skill required for childcare. In modern usage, it is often cited to remark on the lack of care or the inherent risk of mishandling something when it is not in the hands of an 'expert' or 'natural' caretaker.

This expression is used to describe a situation where innocent or vulnerable people cannot thrive or survive under the control of cruel, greedy, or evil individuals. It implies that being in a predatory environment inevitably leads to destruction.

This expression is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the qualities or potential of things that are already lost or projects that have failed. Just as a child who died at birth is often remembered as being exceptionally healthy or large, people often overstate the greatness of 'what could have been' in hindsight.

This expression is used to describe a person or a situation that is extremely suffocating or troublesome. It refers to someone who keeps others in a state of perpetual misery or limbo, where they are neither allowed to move on nor allowed to live in peace.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something fragile, innocent, or valuable is placed in the hands of cruel and heartless people. Just as a child cannot survive amongst demons, a good person or a delicate task cannot thrive or succeed in an environment filled with wicked people or destructive forces.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two contradictory things cannot happen simultaneously. It refers to an impossible outcome where someone causes severe harm (like a ghost attacking) but expects the victim to remain unharmed. It is often used when a person acts maliciously but pretends to care about the welfare of the victim.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the remedy is worse than the disease, or when the cost/process of solving a problem is so harsh that the subject might not survive it. It highlights a dilemma where the 'cure' might lead to destruction.

This proverb is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the qualities or potential of something they have lost or something that failed to materialize. It highlights the human tendency to glorify the 'what ifs' or lost opportunities, making them seem much greater than they actually were.

Thought more of when dead than when living. Far folks fare well, and fair children die.

This expression is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where a person is stuck with someone or something they cannot get rid of, yet find it equally impossible or unbearable to continue living with or supporting them. It reflects a state of being trapped between two difficult choices.