గతిలేనమ్మకు మతిలేని మొగుడు

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has absolutely no other options or alternatives left, forcing them to rely on a single, often final, source of hope or support. It is similar to the English proverb 'Beggars can't be choosers' or 'A drowning man catches at a straw'.

This proverb describes a state of absolute necessity or helplessness. It implies that when a person is in a desperate situation or has no alternatives, they cannot afford to be choosy and must accept whatever is available to them, regardless of quality.

This expression emphasizes that the hospitality and love behind a meal are more important than the food itself. Food served grudgingly or without warmth is compared to 'Pinda', the ritual food offered to the deceased, which is considered uninviting and devoid of the joy of living hospitality. It is used to highlight that one should not accept or offer food where there is no mutual respect or affection.

This expression is used to describe something that lacks sense, logic, or harmony. Just as a song without a proper scale (shruti) is unpleasant to hear, words spoken without thought or intelligence are useless and irritating. It is often used to dismiss nonsensical arguments or irrelevant chatter.

This expression highlights that just as a song is unpleasant to hear without the proper tune or pitch (shruti), a conversation or proposal is useless and ineffective without the agreement or willingness of the listener. It is used to emphasize that forcing an opinion or singing out of tune both result in a lack of harmony.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely clever, cunning, or a 'know-it-all' who thinks they can outsmart anyone. It refers to a person who claims superiority over those who are already considered experts or authorities in a particular field, often used in a sarcastic tone to highlight someone's overconfidence or manipulative nature.

This proverb describes a situation where someone in extreme poverty or with no alternatives considers even the most basic or low-quality thing as a great luxury. It is used to highlight how necessity and lack of choice change one's perspective on value.

This expression is used to describe a person who, in a state of absolute desperation or helplessness, seeks assistance from someone completely insignificant, unworthy, or incapable of helping. It highlights the irony and humiliation of being forced to rely on the lowest possible means when one has no other choice.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one's existing misfortunes are compounded by even more trouble or incompetence. It suggests that when a person is already in a helpless or poor state, they often end up with additional burdens that make their situation worse, rather than better.

This proverb highlights that certain entities are defined by their inherent functional qualities. Just as a horse is valued for its ability to run (gati) and move with speed, certain traits are traditionally expected in specific roles for them to be considered successful or effective. It is used to suggest that without essential qualities, things lose their primary purpose or appeal.