దెప్పితివో, పెద్దల తిడితివో

This expression refers to a situation where someone says something hurtful, insulting, or sarcastic under the guise of humor or a smile. It implies that even if an insult is delivered pleasantly, the negative intent or sin remains the same, leading to spiritual or social consequences.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is working hard or performing a duty, but the benefits or rewards are not meant for them personally. It implies that just as a bull is fed to work in the fields and not for its own growth or meat, some efforts are purely functional and don't result in personal gain for the individual doing the work.

This proverb highlights the importance of family unity. It suggests that if you work against or insult your own kin (pālivāru), you are essentially destroying your own support system and bringing ruin upon yourself.

This expression is used when someone takes an excessive amount of time to make a decision or complete a task, and that delay eventually leads to a disastrous outcome or significant loss for others. The literal sense refers to soaking something for too long until it spoils the situation.

This proverb describes a situation where an incompetent or ignorant person tries to advise someone who is also incompetent. It highlights the irony and futility of seeking guidance from someone whose shortcomings are even greater than one's own. It is used when two people who lack knowledge in a subject try to solve a problem together, leading to a useless outcome.

This expression is used to question someone who has failed to act or has become stagnant. It suggests that the person has either succumbed to laziness (palumaluta) or has lost their self-respect and determination (paurusham). It is often used as a reproach or a motivational nudge to remind someone of their responsibilities and potential.

This proverb describes a situation where one problem is solved with extreme difficulty only for another major crisis to occur. It highlights the irony of fate where despite continuous efforts to settle or fix affairs in a family or project, things never reach a state of completion or peace because new setbacks arise immediately.

This expression refers to something that is temporary, unstable, or unreliable. Just as words written on the surface of water disappear instantly, it is used to describe promises that aren't kept, plans that have no foundation, or things that lack longevity.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who neglects their basic duties or responsibilities—such as taking care of elders or family—but spends their time and energy on vanity, creating unnecessary arguments, or maintaining a false sense of prestige.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of having an experienced or wise person at the helm. It suggests that without a wise leader (a big head) to guide and make decisions, simply holding a position of authority or seniority (elderliness) is not enough to manage a family or a group effectively.