ఎల్లి మీద పుల్లి, పుల్లి మీద మల్లి

This expression is used when a person narrowly escapes a misfortune or when an object is broken/lost instead of a person getting hurt. It signifies that the bad luck or evil eye intended for the person was absorbed by the earth or a material object, resulting in a sense of relief.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe individuals who are always on the move or never found in their expected place. 'Malli' refers to a shoemaker (Madiga) who is often out collecting hides or delivering shoes, while 'Yelli' refers to a goldsmith (Kamsali) who might be away on business. It is used to mock or point out the unavailability of someone when you need them.

This expression describes a situation where someone has achieved a high position of power or is involved in a dangerous, high-stakes endeavor that they cannot quit. Just as a person riding a tiger is safe as long as they stay on its back but will be devoured if they step down, this refers to being trapped by one's own success or risky commitments.

This expression is used to describe a situation that is extremely risky, precarious, or requires great skill and caution to handle without causing a disaster. It is synonymous with 'walking on a tightrope' or 'skating on thin ice'.

This proverb highlights the volatility and unpredictability of serving or working for someone who has recently acquired wealth (a nouveau riche person). It implies that such individuals may be arrogant, demanding, or lack the temperament of established wealth, making the relationship as precarious and dangerous as performing acrobatics on a sharp blade.

This proverb is used to describe a person who talks a lot and makes big promises but is completely absent or lazy when it is actually time to do the work. It contrasts a talkative nature with a lack of productivity.

This proverb describes a situation where a person redirects their frustration or anger from its original source toward someone else who is vulnerable or associated with that source. It is used to point out unfair treatment where an innocent party suffers for someone else's mistake or due to a displaced grudge.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a resource or help is so abundantly available everywhere that a specific person's contribution or presence becomes unnecessary. It highlights the irony of someone offering something that is already common or easily accessible.

* Il faut se dire beaucoup d'amis, et s'en croire peu.

This expression describes a person who lives a carefree, irresponsible, or nomadic lifestyle without any domestic stability or worries. It refers to someone who eats whenever they find food (stored in an 'Utti' or rope-net basket) and sleeps wherever they happen to be in the village, essentially living without any definite home or plan.

This proverb is used to point out something that is redundant or unnecessary because a better, more abundant, or universal alternative already exists. It is often used to dismiss someone who offers a mediocre or unnecessary service when the same thing is readily available everywhere else.