కన్నతల్లికి కడుపు కాలితే, పిన్నతల్లికి పిర్ర కాలిందిట

This expression refers to the medicinal value of the Haritaki (Karakkaya) fruit in Ayurveda. It implies that just as a mother cares for her child's well-being and health without fail, this medicinal nut protects and heals the body from various ailments. It is used to emphasize the importance of traditional medicine and natural remedies.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is unable to fulfill basic or essential needs, yet they are asked or attempt to fulfill secondary or less important demands. It highlights misplaced priorities or the irony of demanding extra when the fundamentals are not met.

This expression is used to describe two people who are equally wicked, cunning, or troublesome. It implies that there is no difference in their bad character; if one is bad, the other is slightly worse or just as bad. It is similar to saying 'two of a kind' or 'chips off the same block' in a negative context.

This proverb contrasts true empathy with jealousy. It implies that while a birth mother (or a true well-wisher) feels genuine sorrow for one's struggles, a stepmother (or a rival) feels envious of one's success or status. It is used to describe situations where some people are saddened by your pain while others are spiteful of your happiness.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who ignores their primary responsibilities or immediate family needs while showing off or performing unnecessary favors for others. It highlights the irony of neglecting a core duty while pretending to be generous or diligent elsewhere.

This proverb is used to criticize hypocrisy or misplaced priorities. It refers to someone who neglects their fundamental duties or those closest to them, yet tries to gain a good reputation by performing grand gestures for others or distant relatives. It highlights the irony of showing off generosity to the world while failing to meet basic responsibilities at home.

This proverb emphasizes that providing nourishment and care is the ultimate act of motherhood. It suggests that a person's true benefactor or caretaker deserves the same respect and status as one's own mother, highlighting that love and provision are the foundations of a parental bond.

This proverb is used to describe a person who neglects their primary duties or the people who truly care for them, while performing grand, hypocritical acts of service for others or for outward appearances. It highlights the irony of being cruel to those who deserve love while pretending to be virtuous elsewhere.

This proverb contrasts the depth of empathy with biological maternal pain. It means that while a casual observer or neighbor (the one who heard) might feel a superficial or outward sympathy (back burning), only a mother (the one who gave birth) feels the true, deep, internal agony (stomach burning) when a child is in trouble. It is used to describe how a mother's suffering for her children is incomparable to anyone else's.

This proverb describes a person who neglects or mistreats those who are truly close to them and have a primary claim to their care, while performing grand, hypocritical acts of devotion or charity toward others for the sake of appearances. It highlights gross ingratitude and misplaced priorities.