మఘకు మానికంత చెట్టయితే, కార్తీకానికి కడవంత గుమ్మడికాయ.

This proverb refers to the agricultural cycle and physical labor. After the lush monsoon season (Sravanam and Bhadrapadam) where food is plenty and work is less, the month of Karthika marks the beginning of the intense harvest season. It implies that the hard work required during this time will burn off any body fat accumulated during the resting period.

This proverb highlights that different people react differently to the same situation or criticism. While some take hardship or pressure as a challenge to grow stronger (like the watermelon vine), others are fragile and succumb to it (like the pumpkin). It is used to describe resilience versus fragility in character.

This proverb describes a person who buys something very small or cheap but expects a disproportionately large or valuable item for free (kosaru). It is used to mock someone's unreasonable greed or lack of proportion in dealings.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone demands or expects a free addition (bonus) that is far more valuable or larger than the actual item they paid for. It highlights greediness or unreasonable expectations in transactions.

This is an agricultural proverb indicating the timing of harvests. It suggests that by the time of Kartika Purnima (a full moon day in the lunar month of Kartika), the monsoon crops are ready for harvest or reaching their final stage. It is used to describe the seasonal cycle and the predictability of agricultural yields based on the lunar calendar.

This proverb refers to the gradual increase of cold weather. In the month of Kartika, the cold is mild and manageable (like a small pot-rest), but by the month of Magha, it becomes intense and powerful. It is used to describe situations or conditions that start small but eventually grow to their full, formidable strength.

This expression is used to describe a situation where things that are usually abundant suddenly become scarce or disappear. It refers to the observation that during the auspicious month of Karthika, crows (which are usually everywhere) seem less visible, often used metaphorically for unexpected scarcity.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's arrogance, ego, or demands are vastly disproportionate to their actual status, size, or capability. It highlights the absurdity of an insignificant person having an oversized attitude or problem.

This proverb highlights that size or status does not matter when faced with the right tool or authority meant to handle it. It is used to describe situations where a small but powerful entity (like a blade or a person in authority) can easily manage or control something much larger or seemingly superior.

This proverb highlights that even immense intelligence or talent can sometimes be overshadowed by a small amount of good fortune. It is used to describe situations where hard work and wisdom fail to achieve what a lucky break manages to accomplish instantly.