కుడిచెయ్యి చేసే దానం ఎడమచెయ్యికి తెలియకూడదు

This expression is used to highlight the inherent inequality or discrimination in treatment between two entities, despite them being part of the same whole or family. It refers to the traditional cultural preference for the right hand over the left, signifying that one person or thing often receives more honor or priority than another.

This expression describes a person who is extremely old or at the end of their life (one foot in the grave) but still possesses a strong desire or greed for material things or food. It is used to highlight the irony of having worldly attachments even when death is imminent.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is overly generous or extravagant because the resources being used do not belong to them. It implies that people tend to spend or give away others' wealth much more freely than they would their own.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity of labor and the necessity of hard work. It means that only when one works hard physically (moving the elbow/arm), can they afford to eat (moving the hand to the mouth). It is used to convey that effort is a prerequisite for sustenance.

This expression is used when a plan fails right at the start, leading to a total loss. 'Mondi cheyyi chupinchadam' specifically means to cheat, refuse to help, or leave someone empty-handed after promising something.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely generous and charitable. Just as a hand without a bone would be flexible and unable to close or withhold, it refers to someone who gives freely to others without hesitation or stinginess.

This expression is used to describe a redundant or meaningless action where one thing is replaced by something identical or equally ineffective. It highlights a situation where there is no real change or improvement despite the movement or effort, often used to mock someone suggesting a solution that is the same as the current problem.

As broad as long.

This proverb highlights the interdependency within a household or society. 'Hand with bangles' refers to the woman (traditionally managing the kitchen/home), and 'hand with bracelets' refers to the man (traditionally the earner). It means that when the woman works to cook and manage the house, the man can eat and have the strength to work, or more broadly, that domestic stability is the foundation for external success.

This expression is used to signify that every result has a cause, particularly regarding consequences for one's actions. It implies that a person doesn't get into trouble unless they have done something wrong, or that there is no smoke without fire.

Don't play with the bear if you don't want to be bit. (Italian.)† * Ayer vaquero, hoy caballero. † Non ischersar coll'orso, so non vnuol esser morso.

This proverb describes an elderly or frail person who is very close to death (one foot in the grave) but still possesses a strong desire for worldly pleasures or food. It is used to highlight the irony of human greed or the will to live even in the final stages of life.