కొల్లకుపోయి పైచీర కోల్పోయినట్లు

This expression describes a situation where someone is forced to use an expensive or precious resource for a mundane task simply because they lack a basic or ordinary alternative. It highlights a lack of preparedness or the irony of using something luxury out of necessity rather than choice.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is overly stubborn or arrogant, refusing to admit defeat even when they have clearly lost or failed. It characterizes someone who tries to save face by making excuses or claiming a moral victory despite an obvious failure.

This expression describes a situation where a person loses their only source of support or guidance. It is used when someone is rendered completely helpless or becomes directionless after losing a critical tool, person, or resource they relied upon entirely.

This proverb is used to describe a person who tries to perform a shameful or clandestine act in a way that is highly visible and attracts everyone's attention. It refers to a situation where someone lacks the common sense to be discreet about their wrongdoings, making their actions impossible to ignore.

This proverb describes people who are so deeply involved or stuck in specific situations that they cannot be reached or distracted by anything else, even a family tragedy. It highlights the behavior of those who are either too focused on their addictions (toddy/palm wine) or too overwhelmed by their own personal disasters (house burning) to fulfill social or family obligations.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one's efforts are wasted because they are directed at something that yields very little or nothing at all. Sama is a tiny grain, and 'pariga' refers to gleaning (picking up leftover grains after harvest). Trying to glean such small grains is considered a futile and unrewarding task.

This expression is used to describe someone who goes to a place or joins an event where they have no purpose, relevance, or benefit. Just as a dog at a crowded market gets pushed around and gains nothing, it refers to aimless wandering or being out of place in a busy situation.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a massive amount of wealth or resources is being wasted or lost rapidly and uncontrollably. It signifies that even a vast treasure (like that found in a fort) can disappear if there is a continuous, unchecked drain or leakage.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes corrective action or precautions after the damage has already been done and it is too late to be effective. It is similar to the English proverb 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort or resources spent to recover something trivial far exceed the value of the object itself, often resulting in a bigger disaster. It is used to mock disproportionate reactions or inefficient problem-solving.