ఇల్లు ఇచ్చినవానికి మజ్జిగ పోసినవానికి మంచిలేదు

This proverb highlights two perceived universal truths: that a mother-in-law is rarely seen as 'good' or appreciated by a daughter-in-law, just as a tamarind fruit is almost never considered truly 'raw' because of its inherent sourness and immediate utility. It is used to describe situations where a person's nature is fixed or where a certain relationship is traditionally difficult and unlikely to change.

This proverb highlights the importance of boundary-setting and the futility of offering unwanted help or interference. It suggests that someone who has already experienced a situation (like a widower) or is self-sufficient (like one who cooks) does not need unsolicited advice or assistance that might complicate their current state of peace or routine.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely absent-minded or confused. It depicts a scenario where someone, in a state of deep forgetfulness or distraction, tries to serve buttermilk onto the decorative mark (bindi/bottu) on their forehead instead of into a bowl or leaf.

This expression is used to describe individuals who lack the basic, essential skills expected of them in a traditional household. It highlights incompetence in fundamental duties: a man failing at manual labor/repairs and a woman failing at core domestic tasks.

This proverb highlights unfairness in rewards or wages. It describes a situation where someone who does little work or offers only excuses receives more benefit (a kasu) than the person who performed the actual hard labor of roofing a house (who receives a lesser coin, a duggani). It is used to critique systems where talkers are valued more than doers.

This proverb advises caution in social and financial dealings. If you make a promise to a poor person and fail to keep it, their despair may lead to bitterness or social shame for you. Conversely, if you give a wealthy or powerful person space (or a foothold in your affairs/property), they may use their influence to eventually usurp or dominate you.

This proverb highlights the guilt and shame associated with wrongdoing or being in debt. Just as a person who has committed a crime or mistake avoids eye contact out of guilt, a person who owes money feels a similar sense of inferiority or hesitation to face their creditor. It is used to describe the loss of confidence and social standing that comes with debt or moral failure.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs actions out of order or forgets a crucial step, leading to an awkward or incomplete result. In a traditional meal, buttermilk is served last; offering it before the main second course (marubottu) signifies a lapse in sequence or social etiquette.

This proverb is equivalent to 'don't cry over spilled milk'. It is used to suggest that once something has happened or a mistake has been made that cannot be undone, there is no use in feeling regret or sorrow about it; instead, one should move forward.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to benefit from both sides or keep something for themselves while pretending to share. It signifies a person's dual nature of being stingy while acting as if they are fulfilling a duty or being generous.