గడ్డి వేయకపోతే గొడ్డు కొమ్మాడించుతుంది

This expression is used to describe someone who is firm, reliable, and strong. A tamarind branch is known for its extreme flexibility and strength (it doesn't break easily), whereas a drumstick branch is very brittle and snaps quickly. It is used to compliment someone's resilience or to indicate that a task or person is more formidable than they appear.

This proverb describes a situation where different parties have conflicting desires based on their specific limitations or ignorance. It is used to mock people who do not understand their own surroundings or limitations; the one who cannot swat flies (docked tail) wants to stay in the herd, while the one who cannot see (blind) wants to wander away into danger.

In the past, cobblers (Madiga community) would use the hides of dead cattle. This proverb describes a situation where an object or a person has become so useless or degraded due to neglect (like cattle left out in heavy winter rains) that they are of no value even for the lowliest of purposes or to those who can usually find a use for anything.

This proverb describes a situation where an uncontrollable or stubborn person meets an insurmountable obstacle or a matching force that stops them in their tracks. Just as a cow that habitually kicks is restrained by a heavy stone mortar placed behind it, this expression is used when a troublemaker finally faces a consequence or a person they cannot bully or bypass.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone adds to another person's existing pain or misery. Just as scratching a sore spot (caused by the heavy wooden yoke on an ox's neck) with a sharp knife would cause excruciating pain instead of relief, this phrase refers to actions that worsen an already difficult or hurtful situation.

This proverb suggests that personal matters, feminine modesty, or family dignity should not be publicized or treated as a commodity for public scrutiny. It is used to advise against exposing private affairs to the public gaze.

This expression describes people who waste their energy and time fighting over trivial, worthless, or insignificant things. It is often used to mock unnecessary conflicts where the prize has no real value.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is stubborn or persistent in their stance. Tamarind branches are strong and flexible, making them hard to break, whereas drumstick branches are brittle and break easily. It implies that the person has taken a firm hold of a situation or opinion and will not let go or be easily defeated.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is uncontrollably aggressive or stubborn. Just as a heavy stone mortar cannot stop a cow that is determined to kick and run wild, a person with a volatile or reckless nature will not be deterred by ordinary obstacles or rules.

This proverb emphasizes that it is difficult to change one's habits, learn new skills, or be productive in a specific way once they have reached a certain age or stage in life. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.' It suggests that discipline and learning should happen while one is young and flexible.