గాడిదల మోత గుర్రాల మేత

This expression is used to describe someone who is overly critical or fastidious about something that is temporary, borrowed, or not theirs to keep. Just as it is pointless to check for permanent luck-bringing marks on a horse you are only renting for a short journey, it is unnecessary to find minor flaws in things of transient value or temporary use.

This proverb describes how jealousy blinds a person's judgment. When someone is envious of others' success or possessions, they tend to belittle those achievements or find faults where none exist in order to make themselves feel superior.

This expression describes a person or family who lives in poverty or misery at home while maintaining a false, extravagant status or show of wealth in public. It highlights the contrast between actual dire conditions and outward pretension.

Outward show, but poverty at home.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a unique or unusual remedy is applied to a problematic person or situation. It implies that a person who creates constant trouble needs to be handled with specific, often stern or unconventional methods that match their stubborn nature.

This expression is used to describe someone who makes grand claims or performs 'heroic' acts in a safe, restricted environment where there is no actual risk or challenge. It refers to a person who boasts about their abilities without ever facing real-world testing or competition.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has a high social status or a prestigious title, but in reality, they are performing menial tasks or living in poverty. It highlights the contrast between outward reputation and actual condition.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the resources or tools available are completely ineffective or useless for the task at hand. Just as a lame horse cannot run and a leather sword cannot cut, it refers to having incompetent help or inadequate equipment.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to escape their current problems or responsibilities by taking a drastic step, only to find themselves burdened with even more difficult or tedious tasks than before. It highlights that shortcuts or running away from reality often lead to more complications.

This proverb emphasizes that low investment or poor preparation leads to failure in challenging tasks. Just as horses fed only on cheap boiled snacks (guggillu) instead of high-quality feed lack the strength to leap across defensive ditches, a person who is inadequately trained or provided with cheap resources cannot handle high-stakes responsibilities.

This proverb is used to criticize inconsistency or a sudden fall in status/standard of living. It highlights the futility of enjoying a high status temporarily if one has to settle for something much lower shortly after. It suggests that it is better to maintain a steady, sustainable position rather than experiencing extreme highs and lows.