జీవం తక్కువ, జీతం ఎక్కువ

This proverb suggests that when people have too much luxury or idle time, they tend to focus excessively on rigid traditions and unnecessary rituals. However, becoming overly obsessed with such formalities can lead to one's downfall or misfortune. It is a cautionary saying about maintaining balance and avoiding extreme pedantry.

This proverb highlights the contrast between two life experiences: resilience and loss. It suggests that a person who has overcome failure (Chedi Brathikinavaadu) gains immense strength and bravery, whereas a person who has fallen from a high status (Brathiki Chedinavaadu) suffers from deep emotional pain and many hardships. It is often used to describe the psychological state of people based on their life's trajectory.

This expression describes a person who lives in humble or poor conditions but pretends to be very wealthy or superior. It is used to criticize someone who shows off excessively despite having no real status or resources to back it up.

This expression is used to describe something or someone that is mediocre, caught in the middle, or not quite fitting into any specific category. It refers to a situation that is more than a small event but not significant enough to be a major one, often implying that it is neither here nor there.

This expression is used to describe how people who are suffering or in a weak state tend to be irritable, impatient, or easily annoyed. It serves as a reminder to be patient and empathetic with those who are unwell, as their physical discomfort often manifests as bad temper.

This proverb is used to describe a person who talks a lot, worries excessively, or shows great enthusiasm outwardly, but lacks the actual effort, courage, or action to achieve the goal. It refers to someone who is 'all talk and no action'.

This proverb is used to describe a person who talks a lot or makes a great show of doing something but produces very little result or lacks the actual skill. It refers to a priest who, instead of reciting the sacred hymns (mantras) properly, ends up spitting more while shouting loudly. It is often applied to people who substitute substance with empty noise or unnecessary actions.

This proverb highlights a social irony: those who are prosperous and wealthy (Siri) are often burdened with endless responsibilities and hard work to maintain their status, whereas those who are lazy or seen as 'unfortunate' (Debirasi) often focus solely on consuming resources without contributing effort.

This proverb is used to describe people who lack substance, character, or high status but try to overcompensate by being overly showy, boastful, or excessively concerned with outward appearances and fashion.

This proverb is used to criticize people with limited abilities or status who show excessive arrogance or vanity. It compares their behavior to a small pot of rice that foams over easily, suggesting that true greatness is humble while shallow people boast the most.