జిల్లేడు చెట్టుకు మామిడి కాయలా?

This proverb is used to express that good or noble qualities cannot be expected from someone or something that is inherently inferior or bad. Just as a fragrant, divine flower like Parijata cannot grow on a toxic, milky weed like Jilledu (Calotropis), one cannot expect greatness from a base origin or nature.

Pārijāta is the Nyctanthes Arbor Tristis, a very celebrated tree said to grow in Svarga, Indra's paradise (W. Elliot). Jillēḍu is the Calotropes Gigantea.

This proverb is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the virtues, qualities, or features of someone or something only after they are gone or no longer available. It refers to the human tendency to overstate the importance of a lost opportunity or a deceased person.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs an act of vanity or decoration that is completely useless or goes unnoticed. It highlights the futility of showing off or investing effort in something that doesn't serve a purpose or isn't visible to others.

This expression is used to describe someone who leverages the fame, reputation, or hard work of their ancestors or superiors to gain personal profit or success without putting in any effort of their own.

This proverb is used to explain that not every plan, idea, or person can reach full fruition or success. Just as a tree would collapse under the weight if every single blossom became a fruit, nature (and life) has a way of filtering outcomes. It is often said to console someone when some of their efforts fail, implying that total success in everything might lead to unsustainable or overwhelming consequences.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is overly concerned or making unnecessary efforts for people they don't know or things that don't belong to them. It highlights the irony of trying to beautify or help something unfamiliar while neglecting what is close at hand.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a single gentle or weak person is surrounded by many harsh, wicked, or aggressive people. Just as a soft calotropis plant would be crushed or choked by thorny jujube trees, it is difficult for a good person to thrive or even survive in the company of the wicked.

Like father, like son; or the quality of a product depends on its source. It is used to suggest that the nature or character of a person or thing is determined by its origin or upbringing.

This rhetorical question is used to express skepticism toward someone who thinks results can be achieved through mere words or empty talk rather than actual hard work or practical action. It highlights that miracles or success don't happen just by wishing or chanting; they require effort.

This expression is used to remind someone that results require hard work and practical effort rather than just empty talk or miracles. It is a sarcastic rhetorical question aimed at those who expect success without doing the necessary work.

Said of excessive leniency or ineffective measures.