ఏటికి ఎన్ని నీళ్ళు వచ్చినా, కుక్కకు గతుకునీళ్ళే

This expression is used to describe a situation where a small amount of help or contribution is added to a larger effort. It signifies how even a minor assistance can complement or complete a task, much like how cold water helps bring boiling water to a usable temperature.

This expression is used to describe mutual assistance or small contributions that complement each other. Just as mixing hot and cold water brings them to a comfortable temperature, it signifies how people help one another according to their capacity, or how small favors are returned to maintain balance in relationships.

This proverb is used to mock someone who pretends to be extremely innocent, delicate, or slow to the point of being useless or overly dramatic. It describes a situation where a person acts so 'special' or 'helpless' that they expect nature or others to conform specifically to their slow pace or behavior.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone fails at the crucial moment due to a silly or untimely distraction. It highlights how poor timing or lack of focus at the final step can ruin a lot of hard work.

This expression suggests that opposites or different temperaments are needed to maintain balance. In a social or domestic context, it implies that if one person is hot-tempered (hot water), another person should be calm and patient (cold water) to prevent conflict and bring stability.

This proverb highlights two stages of life where support is expected. Just as an ox is ready to share the burden of farm work once it fits the yoke, a child is expected to assist and support their parents once they grow up and become capable. It refers to the point when a person or animal becomes productive and helpful to the family.

This proverb describes a situation where a person is so vulnerable or inherently flawed that any misfortune, regardless of where it strikes, affects their most basic stability. It is often used to refer to people who are already in a weak position, where any further trouble only worsens their existing plight.

This proverb suggests that even when resources or opportunities are abundant, a person's gain is limited by their own capacity, character, or destiny. It is often used to describe someone who cannot benefit fully from great wealth or status due to their inherent limitations or poor habits.

* Il n'y a pire eau que l'eau qui dort.

This proverb describes a person's inherent nature or destiny that limits their ability to enjoy abundance. Even when surrounded by immense resources or opportunities, someone with a narrow mindset or bad habits will only take what their limited character allows. It is used to suggest that some people never change their ways regardless of their circumstances.

This proverb describes a person's inherent nature or destiny that does not change despite being surrounded by abundance or great opportunities. It is used to suggest that some people, due to their petty mindset or poor luck, cannot enjoy or utilize the vast resources available to them and will always stick to their limited, meager ways.