ఏ కట్టెకు నిప్పంటిస్తే ఆ కట్టె కాలుతుంది.

This proverb is used to describe relationships or objects that are inherently sharp or harsh by nature. It suggests that just as a knife's purpose is to cut and it cannot be blunt or soft, a mother-in-law (in traditional contexts) is expected to be strict or demanding, and one should not expect otherwise.

This expression is used to describe a person with immense hidden talent, power, or potential that is currently obscured or suppressed by circumstances. It implies that while the energy is currently invisible or dormant, it remains potent and can flare up at any moment.

This expression is used to describe a person whose immense talent, power, or intense emotion is currently hidden or suppressed but has the potential to flare up at any moment. It signifies latent strength or a hidden genius that isn't obvious to an observer at first glance.

This expression is used to describe a relationship between two people or things that are highly incompatible or prone to sudden, violent conflict. Just as salt crackles and explodes when thrown into fire, this phrase characterizes a volatile, antagonistic, or 'cat and dog' relationship.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone blindly believes or reacts to an impossible or illogical statement without using any common sense. Since oxen are male and cannot give birth, the response to 'tie the calf' highlights the height of foolishness or gullibility.

Applied to a foolish speech.

This proverb describes a person who blindly reacts or believes something without thinking logically. Since a bull (male) cannot give birth, a rational person should question the statement first. Instead, the person in the proverb immediately suggests a next step, showing gullibility or a lack of common sense. It is used to mock people who follow instructions or rumors without verifying the facts.

This is a humorous or self-justifying proverb used by addicts or spendthrifts to justify borrowing money for their vices or immediate pleasures. It implies that certain desires are so strong that one would go to the extent of getting into debt just to satisfy them, often used to highlight reckless behavior or misplaced priorities.

This traditional proverb highlights the stereotypically harsh relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in olden times. It suggests that just as a sword is inherently sharp and never soft, a mother-in-law is inherently demanding and lacks patience toward her daughter-in-law. It is used to describe situations where someone is naturally stern or an environment that is unforgiving.

Kathera refers to the 'Karthika' period or specifically the peak summer (Agni Nakshatram) where heat is intense. This proverb highlights the traditional agricultural belief that if it rains during this specific period, it is highly auspicious for the soil and will lead to a bumper crop, as valuable as gold.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes corrective action or precautions after the damage has already been done and it is too late to be effective. It is similar to the English proverb 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.