గహనమున కోతులుండగానే ఘన వనవాసమగునా

This proverb is used to criticize hypocrisy or superficiality in religious or disciplined practices. It suggests that merely performing an action that looks like a sacrifice (like eating leaves/simple food) doesn't count as true fasting or devotion if it is simply one's natural habit or lacks the underlying intent. It is often applied to people who pretend to be pious or frugal by doing things that actually cost them nothing.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone possesses something valuable or beautiful but lacks the capacity, skill, or ability to utilize or enjoy it. It highlights the futility of a resource being in the wrong hands.

This proverb is used to describe a person who speaks grandly or makes lofty promises but fails to deliver anything substantial or acts in a very stingy manner. It highlights the contrast between high-sounding talk and poor or insignificant actions.

A Mânika is a dry measure. The greatest talkers are always the least doers.

This proverb is used to convey that an individual's inherent nature or character cannot be changed through external efforts or superficial modifications. Just as boiling neem leaves will never make them taste sweet like jaggery, a person with a fundamentally bad or stubborn disposition will not change their core traits easily.

This proverb is used to convey that one cannot find greatness, quality, or wisdom in a place or among people that are shallow, cheap, or inferior. It emphasizes that noble qualities or valuable outcomes cannot be expected from a source that lacks substance.

One may be small in physical size, but one may be loud in speech. It is used both as a criticism of talkative person and as an appreciation of one whose achievements are higher than what one’s physical limitations would appear to permit.

* Un petit homme projette parfoia une grande ombre. ! Stakket Hund, kludet Ko, og liden Mand er gjerne hv modige.

This proverb highlights that an individual's fundamental nature or character cannot be changed simply by putting on a disguise or changing their outward appearance. A wicked person remains wicked even if they pretend to be kind or saintly, and one should not expect nourishment or goodness from someone who is inherently harmful.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a side-dish or a secondary accompaniment overshadows the main meal. Metaphorically, it refers to instances where accessories or trivial additions are given more importance or are more impressive than the main subject or person.

This proverb is used to describe hypocrisy or false piety. Just as a crane stands still with its eyes closed not for prayer, but to patiently wait for a fish to hunt, some people act virtuous or religious only to hide their true selfish intentions or to wait for an opportunity to exploit others.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a secondary or trivial thing is given more importance, or seems more impressive, than the primary or essential thing. It's often applied when an accessory or an accompaniment overshadows the main subject.