కాకులను కొట్టి గద్దలకు వేసినట్లు

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes away from the poor or weak to give to the rich or powerful. It highlights an act of injustice or a misplaced sense of charity where the benefactor helps those who don't need it by harming those who are already vulnerable.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes grand plans or claims without having any resources, basis, or substance. It refers to the futility of trying to measure length (a cubit) when you have nothing to measure or no foundation to work from.

Idle dreams.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes away from the poor or weak (represented by crows) to benefit the rich or powerful (represented by eagles). It signifies an unfair redistribution of resources or an act of misplaced charity where those who are truly in need are deprived to satisfy those who are already influential.

This expression describes a futile or insignificant effort. An 'Etamu' (picota) is a traditional tool used to draw water from small wells for irrigation; using such a small tool to try and empty or impact a vast ocean is pointless and ineffective. It is used when someone's efforts are grossly inadequate for the scale of the task at hand.

This expression describes a situation where someone is stealthily waiting for the right moment to ambush or catch someone off guard. It is used to denote extreme vigilance, patience, or a predatory stance in anticipation of an opponent's mistake.

This expression is used to describe a cruel or senseless act of sabotage. A 'Chalipandiri' is a booth set up to provide free drinking water to thirsty travelers during summer; throwing stones into those pots breaks them and deprives people of water. It refers to someone causing unnecessary harm to a public good or a charitable cause.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes from the poor or weak to give to the rich or powerful. It highlights an act of injustice or a futile redistribution of resources that benefits those who are already strong at the expense of those who are vulnerable.

This proverb refers to a person who commits a massive sin or causes great harm to achieve a very minor, insignificant act of charity or good. It highlights the hypocrisy and absurdity of trying to cover up a cruel act with a trivial righteous deed, or using unethical means to justify a small positive end.

Steal the goose, and give the giblets in alms.

This expression is used to describe a foolish or reckless action where one risks something very precious just to test or find out something trivial or dangerous. It highlights extreme negligence or a lack of common sense in decision-making.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unknowingly or foolishly seeks protection or places their trust in the very person who intends to harm or rob them. It signifies an act of extreme negligence or lack of common sense.