ఏ గుర్రానికి తోక ఉంటే, ఆ గుర్రమే ఊపుకుంటుంది

This proverb is used to describe human nature and self-interest. It implies that people generally use their resources, talents, or power for their own benefit rather than helping everyone around them. It is often cited when someone who has the means to help others chooses to be selfish or when one expects too much altruism from an individual.

Said when a selfish person is exalted. An ill man in office is a mischief to the public.

This expression is used to describe someone who is overly critical or fastidious about something that is temporary, borrowed, or not theirs to keep. Just as it is pointless to check for permanent luck-bringing marks on a horse you are only renting for a short journey, it is unnecessary to find minor flaws in things of transient value or temporary use.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where high-quality resources or efforts are wasted on something or someone that cannot utilize them effectively. It suggests that providing expensive or premium things (like 'guggillu' or boiled chickpeas) to a blind horse is futile because the horse cannot perform the tasks expected of it, making the investment a loss.

This proverb is used to describe individualistic or selfish behavior. It implies that people generally look after their own needs and comforts but rarely extend that same effort to help everyone else around them. It is often cited when someone expects an individual to solve everyone's problems just because they are capable of solving their own.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a unique or unusual remedy is applied to a problematic person or situation. It implies that a person who creates constant trouble needs to be handled with specific, often stern or unconventional methods that match their stubborn nature.

This expression is used to describe someone who makes grand claims or performs 'heroic' acts in a safe, restricted environment where there is no actual risk or challenge. It refers to a person who boasts about their abilities without ever facing real-world testing or competition.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of appropriate expression and appreciation. Just as a horse is identified by its neighing, music should evoke a pleasant expression or a smile (ikilintha) from the listener. It is used to suggest that every action or art form has a natural, fitting response or characteristic that defines its quality.

This expression is used to describe a person or a situation where everything is flawed or full of defects. It originated from a story where a poor teacher's horse had no redeeming qualities, and it is now applied to people who possess only negative characteristics or projects that are doomed due to multiple failures.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks options, flexibility, or creative thinking, and thus follows a single fixed routine or path out of necessity or lack of vision. It suggests that when one is limited in perception or skill, they are forced to stick to the only method they know.

This expression describes a person who, despite having access to help or a system designed to ease their burden, continues to take the stress or weight upon themselves due to ignorance or lack of trust. It is used to mock someone who doesn't know how to delegate or use available resources efficiently.