కాలి మెట్లు తలకెక్కినట్లు

This expression is used to describe pursuing something that is non-existent, illusory, or impossible to achieve. Just as one cannot find or fetch water from a mirage (optical illusion), it refers to wasted efforts on deceptive goals.

This expression is used when a private family matter, secret, or internal conflict is exposed to the public. It highlights the embarrassment or loss of reputation that occurs when personal issues are discussed openly in a community or marketplace (raccha).

This expression refers to people who take advantage of kindness or proximity to become overly familiar, disrespectful, or dominant. It describes a situation where someone who was initially humble or in a subordinate position starts acting superior or bothersome once they are given some comfort or leeway.

This is a traditional, often misogynistic proverb used to suggest that giving a woman too much freedom or indulgence will lead to her becoming overbearing, disrespectful, or uncontrollable. It is used to caution against being too lenient in a patriarchal context.

This proverb describes how an ordinary or low-status person gains respect or a higher position simply by being in the company of great people. Just as the fiber (nara) used to tie a garland is worn on the head along with the fragrant flowers, an individual benefits from the association with virtuous or successful people.

This expression is used to describe people who take undue advantage of one's kindness, friendliness, or leniency. It suggests that if you are too approachable or fail to set boundaries, others may become over-familiar or disrespectful, crossing their limits.

This proverb describes a defiant or reckless person who shows no remorse or fear after committing an offense. Instead of hiding in shame after insulting or hurting family elders (the mother-in-law and husband), she boldly moves to a more prominent or defiant position. It is used to characterize someone who acts with extreme arrogance and audacity despite their wrongdoings.

This expression describes doing things for the sake of formality or in a routine, mechanical manner without real devotion or focus. It is used when someone performs a task just to get it over with or to show others they have done it, rather than putting in genuine effort or intent.

This proverb emphasizes that only what you have already consumed or secured for yourself is truly yours. It is used to describe situations involving uncertainty or limited resources, suggesting that one should value what they have already obtained rather than relying on future promises or potential gains that may never materialize.

This proverb is used to describe a lazy person who makes silly or improbable excuses to avoid work. It mockingly refers to someone who blames minor, irrelevant things for their inability or unwillingness to perform physical labor.