కోరుగింజలు కొంగులోకే సరి

This proverb is used to convey that outward beauty or multiple colors do not necessarily imply inner quality or true worth. It is often applied to people who look attractive or talented on the outside but lack character, integrity, or substance.

This expression is used to highlight the obvious origin of something or to indicate that the core essence (the rice) is hidden within a shell (the husk). It serves as a metaphor for looking beyond the external covering to find the true value or substance inside.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the costs, losses, or overheads far exceed the actual value or profit of a task. It highlights inefficiency or a scenario where the effort put in is outweighed by the external interference or wastage.

This proverb describes a situation where a person suffers a large loss while chasing a very small gain. It is used to mock poor planning or misplaced priorities where the effort to earn something tiny results in neglecting and losing something much more valuable.

This proverb describes a situation where a person suffers a large loss while trying to achieve a small gain. It is used to highlight poor prioritization or scenarios where the cost of an endeavor far outweighs the potential reward.

This proverb highlights that small, incidental efforts or meager savings are insufficient to withstand major crises. It is used to emphasize the importance of substantial planning and large-scale preparation instead of relying on trivial or leftover resources when facing serious difficulties.

This proverb describes a situation where one incurs a massive loss while trying to save a small amount of money or while focusing on minor expenses. It is used to highlight poor management or irony when the overhead/accidental losses far exceed the actual cost of work.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort to earn a small gain results in a much larger loss. It is used when someone's attempt to save or earn a little bit of money backfires, leading to a significant setback or waste at home due to their absence or lack of oversight. (Note: A 'toomu' is a larger measurement than a 'kuncham'.)

A tūmu is a measure equal to 4 kunchams. One step forwards and two backwards.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb used to explain optimal spacing in farming. It suggests that if seeds are sown too densely (represented by seven seeds fitting into the small space of a hoof print), the resulting plants will be overcrowded, leading to a poor or 'thin' yield. It emphasizes the importance of proper seed distribution for a healthy harvest.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the resources or earnings available are barely enough to cover the basic expenses or the immediate container, leaving no surplus for anything else. It is often used when income is entirely consumed by necessities.