ఏలడానికి ఊళ్ళు లేకపోవచ్చు కానీ, ఎత్తుక తినడానికి ఊళ్ళు లేవా?

This proverb refers to commission-based dealings or middleman fees. It describes a situation where a person demands payment at every stage of a process—once for making the introduction or arrangement (Tankam), and another for the successful completion of the task (Pagani). It is often used to critique people who are excessively greedy or those who demand multiple bribes/fees for a single outcome.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an experienced person or someone who arrived early is neglected or treated with indifference, while a newcomer or a later arrival receives excessive attention, special treatment, or pampered care. It highlights the irony of human nature where novelty is often valued over experience or seniority.

This expression is used to describe a person who has lost their high status, power, or wealth but remains resourceful (often in a shameless or opportunistic way) to survive. It suggests that even if one cannot be a leader or a ruler anymore, they can still find a way to make a living by other, perhaps less dignified, means.

This proverb describes a state of chaos, neglect, or lack of order. Just as a temple loses its sanctity without daily rituals and a village becomes vulnerable or disorganized without a leader, a system or institution without proper governance and maintenance will eventually decline and become useless.

This expression highlights the contrast in rewards for different types of work. It implies that while professional or strict work earns a fixed wage (coins), selfless or charitable acts earn immense respect and a legacy (villages). It is often used to describe how being precise and firm has its own small value, but being generous or offering things for free can win people's hearts or have vast social consequences.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone's performance or work is so bad that the listener/observer wants them to stop immediately. It implies that the effort was a waste of time and the 'appreciation' (nodding) was merely a courtesy, so the person should just hand over their tools and leave before causing further annoyance.

This proverb is used to highlight unfair or disproportionate rewards. It describes a situation where the person who actually did the work or was involved gets a very small amount (Agani), while the mediator or the one who arranged the deal gets a much larger reward (Tankam). It is often applied to middlemen taking excessive commissions.

This proverb describes a person who makes grand, empty promises or displays excessive generosity in theory, but becomes extremely stingy and calculative when it comes to actual payment or specific details. It is used to mock hypocritical behavior where one talks big about giving away 'villages' for free but fusses over every single cent ('kāsu') during a real transaction.

This proverb highlights the importance of leadership and purpose. Just as a temple without daily rituals loses its sanctity and spirit, a village or society without a proper leader or governance falls into chaos and loses its direction.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who is too proud or lazy to work. It suggests that even if one lacks the status or means to be a leader or a ruler (high status), there are always ways to survive if one is willing to set aside their ego—often used sarcastically against those who complain about lack of grand opportunities while ignoring humble ways to make a living.