కత్తిమీద సాము

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no logical connection between a cause and its effect, or when someone gives an irrelevant or illogical response to a situation. It highlights absurdity and a lack of correlation.

Applied to inappropriate actions or words.

This proverb refers to people who are solely focused on their basic needs or selfish gains rather than their duties or spiritual significance. It is used to describe someone who cares more about being fed or compensated than the actual work they are supposed to perform.

This proverb describes someone who is more interested in the perks or rewards of a job rather than the duty itself. It is used to mock people who pretend to be pious or professional but are actually focused solely on their personal gain or their next meal.

This expression describes an extremely difficult, risky, or precarious task where one must balance multiple factors perfectly to avoid disaster. It implies that the situation is so dangerous and stressful that one wouldn't wish it even upon their worst enemy.

This proverb highlights the volatility and unpredictability of serving or working for someone who has recently acquired wealth (a nouveau riche person). It implies that such individuals may be arrogant, demanding, or lack the temperament of established wealth, making the relationship as precarious and dangerous as performing acrobatics on a sharp blade.

This expression describes a situation that is extremely precarious, delicate, or risky. It is used when a task requires immense skill, balance, or caution because even a small mistake could lead to disastrous consequences. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'walking on a tightrope' or 'walking on eggshells'.

This expression describes a person who lives a carefree, irresponsible, or nomadic lifestyle without any domestic stability or worries. It refers to someone who eats whenever they find food (stored in an 'Utti' or rope-net basket) and sleeps wherever they happen to be in the village, essentially living without any definite home or plan.

This expression is used to describe a person who, despite having important responsibilities or a high status, is solely focused on their personal gain or basic needs (like food or money). It highlights a lack of dedication to one's duty in favor of selfish interests.

This proverb describes the delicate and difficult nature of a woman's life in her husband's home. It suggests that she must be extremely careful, balanced, and tactful in her behavior to avoid conflicts and maintain harmony, as even a small mistake can lead to trouble, much like a sword dance.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is excessively focused on their own needs, particularly food or self-interest, rather than their duties or surroundings. It refers to a local deity (Ganganamma) who, instead of focusing on her devotees or spiritual role, is preoccupied only with the offerings provided to her.