కీలూడిన యంత్రము - తొండము లేని ఏనుగు

This proverb is used to emphasize that just as a curry is tasteless and useless without spices, a person who does not help others or show kindness is considered worthless in society. It highlights the importance of being helpful and altruistic.

This proverb describes a selfish attitude where an individual takes great care of their own property (treating it like a precious elephant), but neglects or treats shared/collective property with total disregard (like a worthless corpse). It is used to criticize people who lack a sense of responsibility toward public or joint assets.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the core essence or necessary knowledge of a task is missing, yet one goes through a lot of unnecessary, superficial motions or excessive preparation. It highlights the futility of performing rituals or tasks without understanding their true purpose or possessing the required skill.

* Verbum sat sapienti.

This expression is used to describe a lazy person who shows no energy or interest when it comes to doing work (acting like a lifeless corpse), but displays immense appetite and enthusiasm when it is time to eat (acting like a hungry elephant).

This proverb is used to describe people who are always restless or constantly engaged in some activity. Just as an elephant's trunk is always moving or exploring and a priest's hand is constantly involved in rituals, prayers, or receiving offerings, some individuals have a habit of staying busy or meddling in something at all times.

This proverb describes a situation where an extremely powerful or large entity becomes completely helpless and useless due to the loss of a single, vital component. Just as an elephant relies entirely on its trunk to function despite its size, or a machine fails without its central mechanism, even the greatest person can be rendered ineffective if their core strength or support is taken away.

This expression refers to a situation that lacks the necessary grandeur, preparation, or essential components despite having the outward appearance of an event. It is used to describe something that is hollow, incomplete, or poorly organized.

This expression is used to remind that imitation or having a single similar trait does not equate to having the actual stature, strength, or essence of another. It highlights that inherent nature and capability cannot be changed by superficial similarities or mere pretension.

This proverb highlights the restless nature of certain entities. Historically, a Brahmin (priest) is always busy performing rituals, chanting, or counting beads with his hand, while an elephant constantly moves its trunk in search of food or to explore its surroundings. It is used to describe people who are always busy or cannot sit idle without doing something.

This expression refers to things that are incomplete or ineffective despite their inherent quality. Just as a mantra is considered spiritually powerless without the 'Om' sound, wisdom or talent is often seen as ineffective or useless in a social or professional context if the person possessing it lacks the authority or position to implement it.