మాటే లేకుంటే చోటే లేదు

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person with malicious intent or a natural predator offers 'selfless' help to their prey. It warns against trusting someone who stands to benefit secretly from the very thing they are supposed to protect, highlighting hypocrisy and ulterior motives.

This proverb describes an unstable or extreme financial situation. 'Ugadi' represents a feast and celebration (plenty), while 'Shivaratri' represents fasting and staying awake (poverty/hunger). It is used to describe someone who either lives in luxury when they have money or starves when they don't, lacking a middle ground or consistent lifestyle.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a basic or preliminary requirement has not been met, making the subsequent or desired action impossible. It highlights the gap between one's current ability and their ambitious goals.

This expression describes the behavior of people who are inconsistent or opportunistic in their relationships. It refers to someone who treats you as a useful friend (small tool) when they need something, but acts sharp or hostile (sickle) when they don't, or someone whose stance changes drastically based on availability and convenience.

This expression is used to humble someone who believes they are indispensable. It suggests that the world does not stop for one person and that natural or necessary events will occur regardless of a specific individual's contribution or presence.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is completely useless or ineffective. It implies that their presence provides no benefit, and their absence makes no difference, much like a decorative figure or a person with no initiative.

This expression is used to describe a person who pretends to be lazy, weak, or incapable when asked to do work, but becomes extremely quick, active, and energetic when it comes to their own interests, food, or play.

This proverb describes someone who is lazy or makes excuses while they are comfortable or sick, but becomes extremely active and agile once their needs are met or their health recovers. It is often used to criticize people who avoid work by acting frail but move swiftly like a deer when it suits their interests.

This proverb highlights the critical importance of rainfall for agriculture. It signifies that timely rains lead to prosperity and food security (crops), whereas a lack of rain leads to drought, starvation, and economic devastation (metaphorically referred to as fires/suffering).

This proverb describes a state of extreme poverty or scarcity. It suggests that when a person lacks even the minimum required for a small taste or basic sustenance (like dipping a finger in a sauce), it is foolish to expect them to have enough to take a large portion or share with others. It is used to point out that one cannot provide or spend what they don't even have in a minimal quantity.