కంచం ఇచ్చి మెట్టె పెట్టించుకున్నా కానలేడు మొగుడు

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone spends money or effort only to invite trouble or harm upon themselves. It refers to self-inflicted misery or bad investments that lead to painful consequences.

This proverb highlights pragmatism over tradition. 'Oli' is a traditional bride price paid at marriage, while 'Kuli' refers to daily wages or immediate support. It suggests that a person who provides for one's immediate needs and livelihood is more valuable than someone who merely fulfilled a traditional or ceremonial obligation in the past.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task or fulfills an obligation with great reluctance, lack of interest, or while complaining, rather than doing it willingly or happily. It implies that the person is doing something just for the sake of finishing it, often ruining the spirit of the activity.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone spends their own resources (money, time, or effort) only to end up being insulted, humiliated, or facing negative consequences because of that very action. It highlights the irony of self-inflicted trouble.

This is a traditional proverb used to describe situations or relationships that are inherently difficult or sharp by nature. Just as a knife cannot fulfill its purpose if it is soft, the proverb suggests that the relationship with a mother-in-law is traditionally expected to be strict or stern rather than purely 'soft' or 'kind'. It is often used to comment on the inevitable friction in certain roles or power dynamics.

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This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely clever, cunning, or a 'know-it-all' who thinks they can outsmart anyone. It refers to a person who claims superiority over those who are already considered experts or authorities in a particular field, often used in a sarcastic tone to highlight someone's overconfidence or manipulative nature.

This proverb highlights that valuable things or people of substance are often quiet and humble, whereas cheap or superficial things make a lot of noise. It is used to compare a wise, dignified person with a boastful, loud person, implying that quality doesn't need to shout to be noticed.

A wise man is sparing of his words, but a fool likes the sound of his own voice. A deluge of words and a drop of sense. " It is not the hen which cackles most that lays most eggs." (Dutch.)

This proverb describes a situation where someone sacrifices a basic necessity or a useful tool for a luxury or a useless ornament. It refers to poor financial judgment or misplaced priorities, specifically trading something essential for survival for something that is merely for show.

This expression describes a situation where someone spends their own money or resources only to end up in trouble, humiliation, or a disadvantageous position. It is used when a self-inflicted problem arises from one's own investment or effort.

This proverb is used to describe a person who makes a foolish trade-off by giving up something essential or useful for something ornamental or trivial. It refers to misplaced priorities where one sacrifices a basic necessity (a plate for food) for a luxury or a decorative item (toe-rings).