కుదిరినదే వైద్యం, మాన్పినదే మందు

This proverb emphasizes that while animals derive their strength solely from physical food, human beings require mental satisfaction and contentment (shanti) to be truly healthy and strong. It suggests that a person's well-being is more dependent on their state of mind and what they possess spiritually/mentally than just physical nourishment.

This proverb highlights a recipe for complete ruin or waste. It suggests that if a father is a farmer and his son is a doctor, they might survive, but if they consume alcohol (or waste resources), everything they earn will be lost. It is often used to warn against addictive habits that destroy family legacies regardless of how hard the previous generation worked.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person's words are accepted blindly or as absolute truth, usually due to their authority, power, or influence, regardless of whether they are actually right or wrong. It highlights unquestioned authority or a situation where one person's opinion dominates everyone else.

This proverb emphasizes results over reputation. It means that any remedy that successfully heals a disease is considered a true medicine, and anyone who successfully cures a patient is a true doctor, regardless of their formal titles or the simplicity of the treatment.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone experiences failure or a major setback on their very first attempt at something. It highlights immediate bad luck or the consequences of an ill-prepared venture.

This proverb emphasizes that health is the greatest wealth. It means that a person who can eat well (is healthy and has sufficient resources) is the one who can endure or live long, and such a healthy person is as happy and powerful as a king. It is often used to highlight the importance of nutrition and physical well-being over material riches.

This proverb emphasizes that any action or corrective measure should be taken only after thoroughly understanding the root cause of a problem. In ancient medicine, 'vatha' (branding/cauterization) was a treatment, but it was effective only if applied precisely on the affected joint. It is used to advise someone to act with precision and knowledge rather than blindly.

This proverb describes a situation of extreme embarrassment and awkwardness where one is forced to discuss or show a private, shameful problem to a relative with whom such intimacy is culturally inappropriate or taboo. It is used to highlight situations involving great hesitation and the inability to seek help due to the delicate nature of the relationship.

This expression highlights that true well-being comes from two sources: financial or material security (which provides confidence and social strength) and proper nourishment (which provides physical health and contentment). It is often used to emphasize the importance of being content with what one has and the necessity of basic sustenance for a happy life.

This expression describes a situation where someone offers a trivial, ineffective, or negligible solution to a major problem. Just as licking a ladle cannot satisfy the hunger of someone fasting, minor gestures cannot solve significant needs or crises.