దున్ననివానికి గుడ్డ ఎందుకు? ఏలనివానికి పెళ్లామెందుకు?

This expression is used to suggest that when something is obvious or already known, there is no need for unnecessary investigation or seeking mystical explanations. It implies that further questioning is redundant when the reality is right in front of one's eyes.

This proverb highlights self-sufficiency and the absence of need. It suggests that if a person has very small needs, they don't need a partner to manage them, and if a person is strong enough to carry heavy loads themselves, they don't need external help like an ox. It is used to mock or point out situations where someone's extreme habits or capabilities make traditional supports redundant.

This proverb is used to describe a person who finds faults in everything when they are unwilling or uninterested in a particular person or task. Just as it is impossible to find a stone in smooth curd, such people invent excuses or imaginary problems to avoid involvement or to criticize others.

This proverb warns against judging things or people based solely on their outward appearance. It suggests that first impressions or surface-level characteristics can be deceptive; just because something looks like milk doesn't mean it is pure, and just because something looks like murky water doesn't mean it is useless.

This proverb emphasizes accountability and the relationship between responsibility and ownership. It suggests that if a person is unwilling to work or perform the duties associated with a role, they do not deserve the resources or benefits that come with it. It is used to criticize those who want the perks of a position without putting in the necessary effort.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timeliness and hard work in agriculture. 'Egili' refers to plowing early in the morning. It suggests that if one starts their work at the right time and follows a disciplined routine, success is guaranteed even for those who are not particularly skilled or powerful.

This proverb suggests that for someone who lacks ambition, desire, or interest in life, their surroundings or environment become irrelevant. It implies that a sense of purpose is what drives a person to engage with the world; without it, even a whole country or great opportunities have no value to them. It is used to describe a state of total indifference or renunciation.

This proverb highlights personal and civic responsibilities. It suggests that a family member who doesn't contribute labor is a burden to the household, just as a citizen who evades taxes is a traitor to the state (divanam). It is used to emphasize that laziness and tax evasion are both forms of dishonesty.

This expression highlights the futility of things or people that fail to serve their purpose at the critical moment. It is used to describe situations where resources, relationships, or tools prove useless precisely when they are most needed.

This expression means that every person has their own unique set of problems and struggles which only they truly understand and endure. It is used to emphasize that one cannot compare or diminish someone's hardship, as everyone is preoccupied with their own specific challenges in life.