కాలితో కదుపుకోవడం, చేతితో జువ్వుకోవడం

This proverb highlights that repetitive or redundant actions often lead to unnecessary exhaustion or wasted effort. It specifically suggests that doing something only to undo it immediately (like serving food and taking it back) results in losing the benefit or joy, and enduring pain for no productive outcome is futile. It is used to describe tasks that are laborious but yield no meaningful result.

This proverb emphasizes the reciprocal nature of relationships and fairness. It means that if you want a share in someone's prosperity or inheritance (property), you must also be willing to stand by them and provide support when they are in trouble or facing a crisis.

This expression is used to describe habits, relationships, or problems that are easy to start or acquire, but extremely difficult to escape or resolve. It is often used as a warning against picking up bad habits or entering into complicated commitments.

This proverb suggests that instead of trying to influence or persuade intermediaries or witnesses, it is more effective and straightforward to deal directly with the primary person involved in a dispute. It emphasizes that reaching an agreement with the opponent is easier than managing those who are merely testifying.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one must inevitably face the consequences of their actions, specifically referring to the physical or financial strain caused by indulging in something beyond one's means or capacity. Just as flattened rice (atukulu) swells in the stomach and causes discomfort, certain actions will eventually demand a 'price' or cause a reaction.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lives in poverty or humble circumstances but has grand, unrealistic ambitions or talks as if they live in luxury. It highlights the irony between one's actual situation and their high-flown words or dreams.

This proverb describes a person who lives in miserable or poor conditions but boasts or dreams of grand, unattainable things. It is used to mock someone who talks beyond their actual status or means, highlighting the gap between their reality and their pretensions.

* Montes veen, paredes oyen.

This expression refers to a person who is hypocritical or selective in their behavior based on self-interest. It describes someone who acts disciplined or stingy in front of authority figures (like a mother-in-law) to make a good impression, but becomes careless or overly generous when dealing with those who have no power over them (like a child).

This proverb is used to criticize lack of preparation. It describes the foolishness of trying to acquire necessary tools or skills at the very moment they are needed, rather than being prepared in advance. It is similar to the English expression 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or 'digging a well only when the house is on fire.'

This proverb is used to criticize lack of foresight or preparation. It describes a situation where someone starts preparing for a challenge or emergency only when it is already happening, rather than being ready in advance. It is similar to the English expression 'digging a well only when the house is on fire.'