గడెము కట్టిన, గొడెము విడుస్తుంది

This proverb is used to describe a state of extreme exhaustion, illness, or a point of no return where even the most essential nourishment or help is no longer effective. It metaphorically suggests that when the physical or mental capacity of a person is completely broken, no amount of resources or advice can save the situation.

This expression is used to describe an unfortunate situation where something bad or inconvenient happens the moment you step out or take a risk. It is often used to describe bad timing or a stroke of ill luck where a person's absence or departure triggers a problem.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to fix or undo something that is already broken, finished, or irreversibly changed in a way that is unnatural or futile. It refers to the impossible task of making a cut leaf part of the living tree again.

This proverb is used to describe an irreversible situation or a wasted effort. Just as lime (chuna) applied to a wall cannot be reclaimed for consumption in a 'paan' (videnmu), money spent on useless things or help given to ungrateful people cannot be recovered or put to better use later.

This expression refers to the value of food or charity. It implies that feeding a living being—whether productive (like a cow that gives milk) or non-productive (a barren one)—is never a waste and always results in merit or satisfaction. It is often used to encourage generosity without over-calculating the utility of the recipient.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the incidental costs or the penalties associated with a mistake far exceed the value of the original object or the core issue itself. It is similar to the English expression 'the remedy is worse than the disease.'

This proverb is used to describe something that is extremely fragile, temporary, or unstable. It suggests that if a foundation or a situation is so weak that even a minor pressure causes it to fail, it is bound to collapse sooner or later.

This expression is used to describe something that is given very reluctantly or something that is offered in such a small quantity that it is almost negligible. In traditional culture, Vaidika priests were known for their frugality and would often part with items (like betel leaves/taambulam) with great hesitation.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is doing something in a completely wrong, backward, or illogical manner. Just as a bridle belongs on a horse's head to control it, putting it on the tail is useless and absurd. It highlights fundamental errors in planning or execution.

This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words compared to the temporary nature of time. While moments pass and hardships are forgotten, a promise made or a hurtful word spoken stays in people's memories forever. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their speech and to honor their commitments.