గొడ్డుటావు గోకిన చేపునా?

This expression is used to describe someone who is in a state of confusion, panic, or helplessness. Just as a rat struggles desperately and aimlessly when trapped in a thick liquid (kudithi), it refers to a person caught in a difficult situation without knowing how to escape.

This expression is used to describe a situation or a person that is extremely stingy or a resource that is completely exhausted. It implies that no matter how much effort you put in, you cannot extract anything of value from someone who has nothing to give or is unwilling to share even the smallest amount.

This proverb highlights the extreme nature of certain relationships or situations where every action is scrutinized. It suggests that if someone provides help or a gift, it is celebrated with the importance of a wedding ritual (symbolized by the ceremonial parani/nail decoration), but if they fail to provide, it is treated as a grave offense or a bad omen, similar to a death ritual. It is used to describe demanding people who are never satisfied or situations with high stakes and no room for error.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone adds to another person's existing pain or misery. Just as scratching a sore spot (caused by the heavy wooden yoke on an ox's neck) with a sharp knife would cause excruciating pain instead of relief, this phrase refers to actions that worsen an already difficult or hurtful situation.

This is a historical caste-based proverb used to suggest that certain inherent traits, habits, or reputations cannot be altered or hidden regardless of how much effort one puts into cleaning or changing themselves. It reflects the social prejudices of the time regarding intrinsic nature.

This expression is used to describe a futile effort or a situation where one expects a result from someone or something that is incapable of providing it. Just as a barren cow cannot produce milk, performing an action that is fundamentally impossible or seeking help from a person who has nothing to give is a waste of time.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is exceptionally clever, meticulous, or perhaps overly cautious. It suggests that such a person ensures their work or words are so well-placed or impactful that they 'stick' or take hold in multiple ways or locations, leaving no room for failure or ambiguity.

The external appearance or the smallest details of a place/person can reveal their true internal state or prosperity. Just as the condition of the walls indicates the maintenance and wealth of a village, initial signs can help one judge the quality of something.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where no amount of coaxing or effort can produce results from someone who is incapable or unwilling to perform a task. It highlights the futility of expecting outcomes from an unproductive source.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely stingy or a situation where every tiny resource is exploited to the point of exhaustion. It suggests that someone is so greedy or frugal that they would even try to extract use from the remains of a broken tool or a withered limb. It characterizes excessive miserliness.