గతజల సేతు బంధనం

Refers to a situation or a grasp from which escape is impossible. In the Ramayana, Kabandha was a demon with long arms that could reach out and trap anything; hence, the term is used to describe a death-grip, a stranglehold, or being trapped in a complex, inescapable predicament.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gets so caught up in trivial or peripheral activities and celebrations that they forget the most essential or core task at hand. It highlights poor prioritization or losing focus due to distractions.

This proverb highlights that quality, status, or inherent value remains even during times of adversity or decline. It is used to describe a person who maintains their dignity, standards, or importance even after losing their wealth or power.

This expression is used to describe an action taken in advance to prevent someone or something from moving forward or causing trouble. It refers to the practice of tying the front legs of an animal to restrict its movement, figuratively implying a preemptive strike or a preventative measure to keep a situation under control.

This expression refers to trying to fix a problem or take precautions after the damage is already done. It is used to describe futile efforts or redundant actions taken after a situation has become irreversible, similar to the English idiom 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

This expression refers to a very remote, forced, or far-fetched connection between two things or people. It is used when someone tries to establish a relationship or logic where none naturally exists, similar to the concept of 'six degrees of separation' but used more ironically or mockingly.

This expression suggests that we often praise people's qualities only after they pass away (idealizing the dead), whereas we focus on the obligations, conflicts, and burdens of relationships while people are still alive. It is used to point out how humans tend to value people more when they are gone than when they are present.

This expression is used to describe a very large number of children in a single family. It refers to the mythological figure Kuchela (Sudama), a childhood friend of Lord Krishna, who was famously poor and lived with his wife and twenty-seven children.

This proverb is used to emphasize that practical, tangible solutions are often more effective than rituals or superstitions. In the context of cleaning or physical needs, the water used by a barber (for shaving or washing) has immediate utility, whereas ritualistic water (mantrajalamu) may only have symbolic value.

This expression is typically used to imply that even if someone is a close relative or a god-like figure, they cannot exempt you from your responsibilities, the consequences of your actions (Karma), or legal/financial obligations. It emphasizes that rules, justice, or the results of one's deeds remain the same regardless of personal relationships.