మాదిగ మల్లి, కంసాలి యెల్లి.

This expression is used to describe a situation or task that is neglected because the parties involved think the other will take care of it. Since a potter (kummar) and a goldsmith (kansali) have no expertise or primary interest in farming, a field left in their joint care will inevitably fail as neither takes responsibility.

This expression refers to a person whose affection or interest is driven purely by greed or the potential for profit. Just as a goldsmith's 'love' for gold is actually a desire to manipulate, melt, and profit from it, this phrase describes opportunistic behavior where someone acts friendly only because they see a way to exploit someone or something for their own gain.

This proverb suggests that if our own character or work is flawless, we do not need to fear others trying to cheat us or find faults. It is used to emphasize that self-integrity is the best defense against external criticism or deception.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social distrust towards certain professions. It suggests that individuals in roles requiring extreme cunningness or dealing with precious materials (like the village record-keeper and the goldsmith) are inherently deceptive. It implies their deceitful nature remains unchanged until the very end of their lives.

This expression is used to describe a series of events happening one after another in quick succession, or a situation where things are piled up or layered. It often refers to a lineage or a sequence of names/entities that follow a specific order or pattern.

This proverb implies that the internal secrets, tricks, or professional deceits of a specific trade or group are only understood by those within that same field. It is used to describe situations where one expert can see through the cunning tactics of another expert, while a layperson remains unaware.

This proverb is used to describe people who are so professional, greedy, or habituated to their craft that they do not show bias or mercy even to their closest kin. It specifically refers to the old stereotype that a goldsmith invariably steals a small portion of gold during the making of jewelry, regardless of who the customer is.

This proverb highlights that some people are so habituated to their professional traits or vices that they cannot overlook them, even for their closest relatives. It is often used to describe inherent professional dishonesty or a person's inability to change their nature regardless of the relationship.

This proverb describes someone who is very vocal, boastful, or makes grand promises (Malli) but is completely absent or disappears when it comes time to actually do the work (Elli). It is used to criticize people who talk a lot but never follow through with action.

This proverb is used to describe a person who talks a lot and makes big promises but is completely absent or lazy when it is actually time to do the work. It contrasts a talkative nature with a lack of productivity.