కూటికి గతిలేదుగాని, కుంటెనలకు ముత్యాలు.

This expression is used sarcastically to question someone who is being unusually silent or refusing to speak. It implies that the person is acting as if speaking would cause them to lose something incredibly valuable, like pearls.

This proverb describes a situation where a person lacks the basic resources for their own survival but attempts to perform expensive or grand tasks to impress others or fulfill social obligations. It is used to mock someone who ignores their primary responsibilities while pretending to be charitable or traditional.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to assert superiority or dominance, and the other person responds with an equally boastful or defiant retort. It signifies that one person is not inferior to the other and can match their ego or status with their own. It is often used to highlight stubbornness or a tit-for-tat attitude in an argument.

This proverb describes a situation where someone gives away something extremely valuable (pearls) in exchange for something trivial or of very little value (jujube fruits). It is used to point out a foolish trade, a lack of judgment, or wasting precious resources/talents on insignificant goals.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities or is in poverty, yet indulges in unnecessary luxuries or maintains a false sense of pride and status. It highlights the irony of someone prioritizing vanity over survival.

This poetic expression is used to describe exceptionally beautiful handwriting. It suggests that the letters are as perfect and precious as pearls on a string, and the lines themselves are as elegant as a necklace. It is typically used as a high compliment for neat and artistic penmanship.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks even the most basic resources or money but makes grand, boastful claims or undertakes projects far beyond their actual means. It highlights the irony of extreme poverty coupled with excessive vanity or unrealistic ambition.

This proverb is used to suggest that a person does not deserve or cannot appreciate a luxury or high-value item because it does not suit their status, nature, or lifestyle. It is often used to criticize someone who possesses something far beyond their needs or capabilities.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an already difficult or miserable circumstance is made worse by poor companionship or inadequate support. It signifies the misfortune of someone who, being in a vulnerable state, ends up with a partner or resource that is incompetent or useless.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks even the most basic resources or money but makes grand, boastful claims or undertakes projects far beyond their means. It highlights the irony of having big aspirations or showing off when one cannot even afford the bare minimum.

A cash ( Kāsu ) equals about one fortieth of a penny. Penniless, but bragging of having a plum.