ఏనుగునెక్కి రంకుకుపోయినట్లు

This proverb describes a situation where someone performs a grand, virtuous, or public act, but in the process, accidentally exposes their own hidden flaws, wrongdoings, or secrets. It is used when a person's attempt to gain fame or merit backfires by bringing their scandals to light.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's efforts or travel result in a futile loop or an unintended destination, often returning back to where they started or ending up in a neighboring, insignificant place instead of achieving their primary goal. It signifies a lack of progress or a wasted journey.

This proverb describes a situation where someone performs a major act of generosity or makes a massive investment but gets stingy or hesitant over a trivial, minor detail required to make it functional. It is used when someone completes a huge task but stops short of finishing the small final touch.

This proverb is used to describe hypocritical behavior where a person advises others on morality and ethics but fails to follow those same principles themselves. It highlights the irony of someone acting as a teacher or moral compass while secretly engaging in the very activities they condemn.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone goes out with the greedy intention of gaining something for free or through exploitation, but ends up losing even what they already possessed. It highlights the irony of a person suffering a loss while trying to profit from others' misfortune.

This proverb describes people who are so deeply involved or stuck in specific situations that they cannot be reached or distracted by anything else, even a family tragedy. It highlights the behavior of those who are either too focused on their addictions (toddy/palm wine) or too overwhelmed by their own personal disasters (house burning) to fulfill social or family obligations.

This expression is used to describe a hypocritical situation where a person gives advice or moral lectures to others while they themselves are doing something wrong or behaving irresponsibly. It highlights the irony of someone lacking self-discipline trying to discipline others.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one's efforts are wasted because they are directed at something that yields very little or nothing at all. Sama is a tiny grain, and 'pariga' refers to gleaning (picking up leftover grains after harvest). Trying to glean such small grains is considered a futile and unrewarding task.

This expression is used to describe someone who goes to a place or joins an event where they have no purpose, relevance, or benefit. Just as a dog at a crowded market gets pushed around and gains nothing, it refers to aimless wandering or being out of place in a busy situation.

This proverb describes things that are never openly admitted or rarely seen in public. Just as one rarely sees a monkey's dead body (as they are said to hide away when dying) or a merchant's scandal (due to their discreet and cautious nature), some things remain hidden from the eyes of the world.