ఏనుగు ఎత్తుపడితే ఏనుగే లేవాలి కాని, ఎవరు లేవదీయగలరు?

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely unpredictable in their generosity. When they choose to give, they give in massive, overwhelming quantities (like the 'milk' or yield of a giant elephant), but they might also go long periods without giving anything at all. It refers to a temperament that is erratic—either total abundance or nothing.

This expression is used to describe a situation or a person's character that is inherently flawed or crooked and cannot be changed despite any amount of effort. It highlights the futility of trying to reform someone who is naturally stubborn or habitually prone to bad behavior.

This proverb is used to highlight the interdependence between earning and spending in a household. It suggests that if both the breadwinner (the earner) and the one who manages expenses (the spender) are incapacitated or face ruin, the entire family structure collapses with no one left to restore balance.

This expression is used to describe a situation or an asset (like a business, project, or luxury item) that yields high results or prestige but requires an equally high level of maintenance and expenditure. It signifies that big ventures come with big responsibilities and costs.

This proverb is used to describe a person or entity that was once great, wealthy, or powerful. Even after facing a significant downfall or loss, their remaining stature, dignity, or assets are still far superior to those of an ordinary person.

This proverb is used to highlight the necessity of a division of labor. It means that in any society or project, everyone cannot be a leader or enjoy high status simultaneously; some people must perform the actual work or supportive tasks for the system to function. It is often used when everyone wants to be the boss but no one wants to do the work.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who has many children or resources still ends up neglected in their time of need. It highlights the irony that having many people to depend on often leads to a lack of individual responsibility, as each person assumes someone else will take care of the task.

This proverb describes a situation where a powerful person faces a natural downfall or misfortune, and a weak, insignificant person takes credit for that downfall. It is used to mock those who boast about achievements that were actually caused by circumstances beyond their control.

This proverb signifies that a person's inherent value, character, or status does not change based on their current circumstances or location. Whether in a high position or a low one, greatness remains greatness.

This expression describes a state of total helplessness and isolation. It is used when someone has no family, friends, or support system to offer comfort in grief, solve their problems, or help them recover from a downfall or financial crisis.