మేసేజన్మలు మేతలు మానినవి, పలుకులు మానండర్రా పంజరాల చిలుకల్లారా అన్నట్లు

This expression describes hypocrisy or a situation where someone talks very politely or makes grand promises but acts in a harmful or contrary manner. It is used to describe people whose actions do not match their virtuous words.

This expression is a philosophical metaphor for the relationship between the soul and the body. Just as an empty cage loses its purpose and beauty once the parrot leaves, a physical body becomes a lifeless vessel once the soul departs. It is often used to highlight the transience of life or to express the futility of holding onto something that has lost its essence.

This proverb describes a person who is lazy or unproductive when it comes to work, yet is the most demanding and ahead of everyone else when it comes to benefits, food, or rewards. It is used to criticize someone who contributes nothing but consumes a lot.

This proverb describes a situation where someone expects something old, fragile, or cheap to last forever or serve multiple generations. It is used to mock people who are overly stingy or unrealistic about the lifespan of materials and tools, expecting them to endure far beyond their natural capacity.

This proverb highlights that certain deep-rooted habits, character flaws, or past consequences do not change or disappear simply because of a change in circumstances or the passage of time. It is used to point out that external events cannot fix internal moral failings or permanent damage.

This proverb suggests that a person's inherent nature or character cannot be changed simply by changing their environment or giving them better facilities. It is used to describe situations where someone lacks the natural talent, wisdom, or temperament for a specific role, no matter how much they are encouraged or forced.

This expression is used to highlight that an individual's innate nature or character cannot be changed by simply altering their environment or appearances. Just as a crow cannot sing like a parrot regardless of its surroundings, a person lacking refinement or specific virtues cannot suddenly exhibit them just by being placed in an elite or sophisticated setting.

Wash a dog, comb a dog, still a dog is but a dog. (French.)*

This proverb is used to describe a person who is out of their depth or placed in a sophisticated environment where they do not belong. Just as an owl remains silent and awkward in a cage designed for a singing parrot, a person lacking knowledge or social grace will remain unresponsive or 'clueless' when placed in a situation that requires intellect or refined behavior.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks a firm stance or individual principles, instead adapting their speech and behavior to please the people they are currently with. It can also refer to how someone's environment or upbringing heavily influences their dialect and opinions.

This proverb is used to describe how people can easily change their words, lie, or speak inconsistently because the tongue is flexible and lacks structural restraint. It is often a criticism of someone who makes false promises or shifts their stance conveniently.