కుక్క తీసిన కొయ్య, నక్క తీసిన కొయ్య

This proverb is used to suggest that one does not need elaborate, expensive, or high-quality tools to perform a trivial or simple task. It emphasizes that a basic or ordinary method is sufficient for a low-level problem, and using something precious would be a waste of resources.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely stubborn, difficult to handle, or double-tongued. It implies that a person may seem soft and compliant like a drumstick tree (which breaks easily) when they want something, but becomes as hard and unyielding as 'Chandra' wood (a very tough wood) when they are challenged or when they have the upper hand. It highlights the unpredictable or deceptive nature of a person's temperament.

This expression is used to describe a situation or a problem that becomes increasingly difficult, rigid, or stubborn over time rather than resolving easily. It refers to how natural fibers like hemp or jute (kukki) shrink and tighten significantly after being soaked and then drying, making them nearly impossible to loosen.

This expression is used sarcastically to tell someone who is doing something wrong or harmful to finish everything else in one go. It suggests that since one bad act has already been committed, the person might as well complete all other related destructive tasks simultaneously. It is often used to highlight the recklessness or foolishness of an action.

This is an agricultural proverb implying that crops sown during the Uttara rain (Karti) grow very strong, sturdy, and yield high results, comparing their strength to hard timber. It highlights the importance of seasonal timing in farming.

This expression is used to signify that a powerful person or a difficult problem can only be tackled by someone or something of equal strength or caliber. It is similar to the English proverb 'Set a thief to catch a thief' or 'Diamond cuts diamond'.

This proverb is used to suggest that one does not need elaborate, expensive, or sophisticated tools for a simple or menial task. It highlights that ordinary means are sufficient for ordinary ends, and using something precious for a trivial purpose is unnecessary.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to achieve something impossible or attempting to extract something from a source that has nothing to give. It characterizes a task that is extremely difficult, futile, or involves dealing with a very stubborn and heartless person.

To milk a he goat. (Latin.)*

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely stingy or a situation where every tiny resource is exploited to the point of exhaustion. It suggests that someone is so greedy or frugal that they would even try to extract use from the remains of a broken tool or a withered limb. It characterizes excessive miserliness.

This expression is used to describe a situation or task that has been done in a messy, haphazard, or clumsy manner. Just as holes dug by animals are irregular and without purpose, it refers to work that lacks neatness, planning, or professional quality.