మడుగు చీరకు మసి తాకినట్లు

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's natural talent, beauty, or great reputation is hidden or tarnished by poor circumstances, bad company, or intentional sabotage. It implies that while the underlying value (the ruby) remains, its outward brilliance is temporarily obscured by something worthless (the soot).

This expression is used to describe a situation where a project, idea, or life stage is ruined or faces major obstacles right at its inception or even before it has had a chance to begin properly. It signifies early misfortune or premature failure.

This expression highlights the essential finishing touches or actions that bring out the best quality in something. Just as tempering (seasoning) is vital for a curry's flavor, properly rinsing and snapping a saree makes it look crisp and beautiful. It is used to signify that certain processes are indispensable for a perfect result.

This proverb highlights how people treat possessions differently based on their age. New things are handled with extreme care and kept pristine (like a clean pond), but as they get older, they are used roughly or neglected (like a pond used for washing dirty clothes). It is used to describe the waning enthusiasm or care for something over time.

This proverb describes a difficult person or situation where any action leads to a negative outcome. If you ask for something or check in, they get annoyed (irritation), but if you stay quiet, they complain that you are ignoring them or being careless (negligence/paraku).

This proverb describes a difficult or 'no-win' situation, often referring to people who get annoyed when reminded of their duties but completely forget or neglect them if left alone. It highlights the frustration of dealing with someone who is both irritable and irresponsible.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task in a haphazard, inconsistent, or clumsy manner. It refers to disjointed work that lacks cohesion or logic, often resulting in a messy outcome where things are pieced together without proper planning.

This expression is used to describe an unfortunate coincidence where a disaster or a piece of very bad news occurs immediately after someone's arrival. It is often used to imply that a person's entry brought bad luck or that they arrived at an extremely ill-fated moment.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is extremely slow or procrastinates to a ridiculous extent. It depicts a situation where a person sent to get life-saving medicine for a patient returns so late that the patient has already died and it is time for the 'Masikam' (a ritual performed one month after death).

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to fix a problem or improve a condition actually results in making things worse. It is used when a person's efforts to find a solution lead to additional complications or self-inflicted damage.