కలిమిలేములు కావటి కుండలు

This proverb suggests that wealth transcends social hierarchies and caste boundaries. It implies that a person's financial status often carries more weight and influence than their traditional social standing or lineage, effectively stating that 'money is the ultimate power'.

A rich man is sought after by all. Rich people are every where at home. (German.)†

This proverb highlights double standards and hypocrisy in judgment. It describes a situation where the same mistake is viewed differently depending on who committed it. If someone in a superior position (like a mother-in-law) makes a mistake, it is dismissed as insignificant, but if a subordinate (like a daughter-in-law) makes the same mistake, it is exaggerated and treated as a major offense.

In life, happiness and unhappiness, wealth and poverty are both inevitable. It is necessary for us to maintain the proper balance between them and we should not get either over-joyed or depressed, but ought to retain optimum poise.

This expression describes a person who is stuck in a difficult or suffocating situation with no way out. Just as a mouse struggles helplessly when it falls into a deep pot of liquid, it refers to someone being trapped in a messy problem or a dilemma where their efforts to escape only lead to further exhaustion.

This is a traditional agricultural observation suggesting that a heavy yield of neem fruits (vemu) is a biological indicator of a good monsoon season ahead, leading to a prosperous harvest for the farmers.

This proverb highlights double standards and hypocrisy in judging actions. It refers to how people often exaggerate the mistakes of others (the daughter-in-law) while minimizing or making excuses for their own or their favorites' mistakes (the mother-in-law).

This proverb suggests that one should not be overly stubborn or assertive when they are in a weak position. It emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own limitations and the situation's context before standing one's ground or making demands.

This proverb is used to explain that while one can hide the physical evidence of eating well (the pots used for cooking), the physical health and strength gained from it (the muscles) will eventually reveal the truth. In a broader sense, it means that internal development or true character cannot be concealed for long, even if the external process is kept secret.

This expression means that life is a balance of ups and downs. Just as a 'Kavati' (a shoulder pole) requires two pots on either side to maintain balance, human life consists of an inevitable cycle of hardship and happiness. It is used to encourage resilience and equanimity during difficult times, reminding us that sorrow is not permanent and is part of a larger balance.

Kâvadi is the yoke made of a split bamboo, used by Indian coolies. To the ends are slung loads of equal weight. Joy and sorrow are to-day and to-morrow.

This is a traditional agricultural observation or proverb. It suggests that a heavy flowering or fruiting of neem trees (Azadirachta indica) is a natural indicator of a good monsoon or favorable weather conditions, which will eventually lead to a bumper harvest for farmers.