దేవతలకు దుమ్ము రాక్షసులకు మన్ను

This proverb highlights the irony of social status versus necessity, or situations where resources are allocated based on tradition rather than practical need. It refers to a scenario where those who work hard and need rest (like laborers) are given comfort, while those of high spiritual status are given simple traditional seating, often used to describe misplaced priorities or unexpected role reversals.

This expression describes using a totally inappropriate or excessively forceful method to solve a minor problem. Just as using a heavy pestle to dust fragile pots would result in breaking them rather than cleaning them, it refers to actions that cause more damage than good due to lack of tact or proportion.

This expression describes a hypocrite who pretends to be pious, virtuous, or godly by outward appearances or speech, but possesses a wicked and cruel nature internally. It is used to warn others about individuals who use religion or a 'good person' persona as a facade to hide their malicious intentions.

This expression is used to imply that in a corrupt or bad environment, every person associated with it is likely to be wicked or untrustworthy. It suggests a generalization that the character of individuals is defined by their origin or the group they belong to.

* Gladiator in arena consilium capit.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is so perverse or nihilistic that they intentionally refuse to do something, even if it benefits them or others, just to ensure that no one—good or bad—gains anything from the situation. It characterizes a 'dog in the manger' attitude or a self-destructive spitefulness.

* I megilori alberi sono i più battuti. † On ne jette des pierres qu'à l'arbre chargé de fruits. : Aspetta tempo e loco à far la tua vendetta, che la non si fa mai ben in fretta.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely lazy or stubborn and refuses to perform a task even when presented with various reasons to do it. It is used to mock someone who finds excuses to avoid work, even if it means missing out on both spiritual and worldly benefits, effectively 'spiting' everyone involved through their inaction.

This proverb describes someone who is very vocal, boastful, or makes grand promises (Malli) but is completely absent or disappears when it comes time to actually do the work (Elli). It is used to criticize people who talk a lot but never follow through with action.

This expression is used to generalize that everyone belonging to a certain group, family, or place is inherently bad or malicious. It is often used when one encounters a series of people from the same background who all behave poorly, leading to the cynical conclusion that the entire group is the same.

This expression refers to performing thankless labor that benefits others while resulting in personal exhaustion or hardship for oneself. It describes a situation where a person works hard for the sake of the community or others, only to end up with nothing but physical strain or a mess to clean up, without any real reward or appreciation.

This expression is used to suggest that even if you cannot see someone or something in person, you can still hear about them or stay in touch. It emphasizes that physical absence does not justify a complete lack of communication or information.