ఏట్లో వేసినా ఎంచి వేయాలి

This expression describes a situation where someone performs an act that appears respectful or honorable on the surface (like naming a child after an elder), but the actual result or intention is harmful or disastrous. It is used when a seemingly good gesture leads to someone's suffering or when someone uses a noble excuse to commit a cruel act.

Cutting off one's nose to spite one's face.

This expression describes extreme obedience or the proactive nature of a dedicated subordinate or servant. It implies that if a master gives a minor or casual command (symbolized by pointing with a foot), the subordinate should execute it with the utmost respect, diligence, and intellectual effort (symbolized by the head). It is used to illustrate deep loyalty or the expectation of swift, high-quality execution of tasks.

Cringing is a gainful accomplishment.

This expression describes a situation where something unnecessary or redundant is done, particularly when one sour ingredient is added to another already sour base. It is used to mock actions that are repetitive or when someone tries to over-emphasize a point that is already clear.

This expression is used to describe someone or something of immense value, status, or reputation that remains significant regardless of their current state or circumstances. Just as an elephant provides labor while alive and valuable ivory/hides after death, a great person's legacy or a high-quality asset continues to command respect and value even after its prime.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of careful accounting and responsibility. It suggests that even when you are spending or discarding resources in a place from which they cannot be recovered, you should still keep track of the exact amount or value to maintain discipline and avoid wastefulness.

This proverb describes opportunism or adaptability. It suggests that one should change their stance, behavior, or plans based on the prevailing circumstances or the direction of the 'wind' to ensure their own benefit or survival. It is often used to describe people who align themselves with whoever is currently in power.

Suitable to the occasion.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has been betrayed or abandoned by the very person they placed their full trust in. It highlights the vulnerability of trusting someone blindly and the devastating consequence of being left helpless (in the middle of the street) when that trust is broken.

This expression is used to signify that a powerful person or a difficult problem can only be tackled by someone or something of equal strength or caliber. It is similar to the English proverb 'Set a thief to catch a thief' or 'Diamond cuts diamond'.

This proverb advises financial prudence and modesty. It suggests that one should live in a modest house (within their means) while focusing resources on the growth, prosperity, and well-being of the family members. It emphasizes prioritizing people and life quality over showy material assets.

This entry consists of two distinct expressions. The first is a sarcastic story about someone pretending to be humble or scary while actually enjoying a feast, used to describe hypocritical behavior. The second, 'Etlo vesina enchi veyavalenu', is a very common proverb meaning that even when wasting or spending money on something seemingly endless (like a river), one must still be accountable and careful with the amount.