మాటలు కోటలు దాటుతాయి, కాలు గడప దాటదు

This is a traditional agricultural proverb implying that if it rains during the Deepavali festival season, the rains are so widespread and persistent that they affect vast regions and potentially cross geographical boundaries. It signifies a period of heavy, extensive monsoon activity.

This proverb is used to warn someone about the speed at which a secret or a piece of gossip spreads. Once a word is spoken aloud (crosses the lips), it becomes public knowledge and travels far and wide very quickly, making it impossible to take back.

* Sledet der Torp, so blühet die Freundschaft. † Zwei Augen, zwei Ohren, nur ein Mund.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is so overwhelmed by their own troubles, grief, or problems that they cannot focus on or engage in creative, productive, or entertaining activities. It suggests that a disturbed mind cannot offer inspiration or joy.

This proverb is used to describe an impossible or highly improbable situation. It implies that if something inherently absurd or unnatural were to happen, the consequences would be equally ridiculous. It is often used to mock someone's unrealistic claims or to express deep skepticism about a task being completed by someone unqualified.

This expression describes a situation where someone has grand ambitions or lofty thoughts but lacks the physical capability, resources, or courage to take even the smallest first step. It is used to point out the gap between one's vast imagination and their actual capacity for action.

Meru or Mahammeru is the fabulous mountain on which Brahmâ is said to reside attended by Rishis, &c. It appears really to be the high land of Tartary immediately north of the Himâlayas. ( Wilson ). *Twee appelen met dénen stok afwerpen.

This proverb suggests that people will not show the same level of commitment, risk-taking, or care for something that is not their own. Just as a rented horse might lack the spirit or loyalty to leap over dangerous obstacles for a temporary master, employees or outsiders often lack the passion and dedication that an owner or stakeholder would naturally possess.

* Mieux vaut un nez que deux vous l'aurez. † Thesaurus carbones erant. ‡ Hij zegt duivel en meent u.

This expression is used to describe people who talk big and make grand promises or boasts, but fail to take even the smallest action or put their words into practice. It highlights the gap between ambitious rhetoric and actual execution.

This expression describes the contrast between human ambition and practical action. While our thoughts and imagination are limitless and can travel anywhere, we often lack the physical effort or courage to take even the smallest first step toward achieving those goals.

This proverb emphasizes that low investment or poor preparation leads to failure in challenging tasks. Just as horses fed only on cheap boiled snacks (guggillu) instead of high-quality feed lack the strength to leap across defensive ditches, a person who is inadequately trained or provided with cheap resources cannot handle high-stakes responsibilities.

This proverb is used to highlight that if someone lacks the capability to perform a small or basic task, they are certainly incapable of handling much larger or more complex challenges. It is often used to criticize someone making grand claims without proving their worth in simpler matters.