కూడు కలుగగానే కులం మరచిపోతారు

This expression means that a person's inherent nature or character does not change simply by changing their outward appearance or status. It is used to point out that dressing up or pretending to be something grander doesn't remove one's basic flaws or original habits.

This expression emphasizes the importance of education and social unity within a community. It suggests that for a community to progress, people must remain united (community bond) and focus on education and literacy (holding the pen) as tools for empowerment.

This proverb describes a situation where someone becomes so accustomed to a life of luxury or ease that they forget their original duties, core responsibilities, or the hard work that defined them. It is used to criticize people who neglect their roots or professions after attaining comfort.

This proverb is used to illustrate that people do not change their fundamental habits, customs, or attitudes as long as they are comfortable and their basic needs (like food) are met. It suggests that change often only occurs under the pressure of necessity or hardship.

This expression describes a person who is so absent-minded or confused that they forget basic survival skills or essential knowledge exactly when they need it most. It is used to mock someone's extreme forgetfulness or their tendency to get into trouble and then fail to use the obvious solution.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone commits a mistake or falls into bad habits and consequently forgets their roots, values, or original identity. It specifically refers to how a single improper act or a lapse in judgment can lead to a complete loss of self-respect or social standing.

This proverb highlights that when luck or divine grace is not on one's side, even simple situations can turn disastrous or lead to self-harm. It is used to describe a period of extreme misfortune where one's own actions or anger result in unexpected and painful consequences.

This proverb highlights the folly of prioritizing caste-based pride or prejudices over one's own survival and basic needs. It warns that while a person might sacrifice their livelihood (koodu) to uphold caste rigidity, the caste community as an entity will not provide for them when they are hungry. It is used to advise people to prioritize practical necessities and humanity over social divisions.

This expression emphasizes the fleeting and ephemeral nature of worldly pleasures. Just as a flower's beauty and fragrance are short-lived once plucked or enjoyed, human comforts and joys are temporary and do not last forever. It is often used to remind someone to remain grounded or to seek deeper meaning beyond temporary satisfactions.

This proverb highlights how human memory is deeply impacted by both kindness and suffering. A person will always remember the one who helped them during hunger (gratitude), just as someone will never forget the person who caused them physical or emotional pain (resentment).