కుంపట్లో తామర మొలిచినట్లు

This expression describes a situation where someone performs an act that appears respectful or honorable on the surface (like naming a child after an elder), but the actual result or intention is harmful or disastrous. It is used when a seemingly good gesture leads to someone's suffering or when someone uses a noble excuse to commit a cruel act.

Cutting off one's nose to spite one's face.

This expression is used to describe a heavy burden, a constant source of anxiety, or a troublesome person/situation that causes continuous mental agony and stress. It signifies a problem that is impossible to ignore and painful to endure.

This proverb is used to describe things or situations that have no middle ground or compromise. It refers to gold, which must either be in the hands of the goldsmith to be shaped or in the furnace (brazier) to be purified. It implies that a person or a task should either be completely involved in the process or undergoing transformation, leaving no room for being idle or halfway done.

This expression refers to someone judging others or the world based on their own limited perspective, small-mindedness, or personal biases. It is used when someone assumes their narrow standards apply to everyone else.

This expression refers to something precious, beautiful, or talented appearing in an unlikely, poor, or unfavorable environment. It is used to describe a brilliant person born into a poor family or a virtuous person found in a bad neighborhood.

This expression is used to describe a wicked, bad, or unworthy person who is born into an illustrious family or found among a group of noble and virtuous people. It highlights a stark contrast where one negative element spoils the sanctity or reputation of its surroundings.

This proverb describes a situation where there is a lot of pomp, show, or preparation, but the actual substance or result is zero. It is used to mock people who make grand arrangements or boast loudly without having the basic resources or achieving any real outcome.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has endured extreme hardships or intense struggles early in life. It implies that someone who has survived 'fire' (severe adversity) will not be bothered or defeated by minor difficulties or 'sunlight' (smaller challenges). It highlights resilience and toughness.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where things happen perfectly according to one's wishes or needs without much effort. It signifies a stroke of good luck or a favorable coincidence where the environment provides exactly what is required at that moment.

This expression refers to a futile or impossible task. Since snow melts while being handled or measured, it is impossible to get a steady or accurate quantity using a traditional measuring cup (kuncham). It is used to describe efforts that are transient, deceptive, or yield no permanent result.