మెత్తటి పులి, సాధు జంతువు

This expression is used to describe someone who projects a fearsome or powerful image but is actually weak, hollow, or harmless. It is similar to the English idiom 'Paper Tiger'. It signifies a person who makes big claims or threats but lacks the substance or strength to back them up.

This expression refers to the constant nitpicking, psychological pressure, or harassment a woman faces from her mother-in-law. In a broader sense, it is used to describe any situation where someone in a position of domestic authority or seniority constantly criticizes or torments someone under their care or control.

Among Hindus the husband's mother, when living, rules the house, and to her the wife is subject. The husband's mother is the wife's devil. (German.)* * Des Mannes Mutter ist der Frau Teufel. 2 ( 9 )

This proverb is used to describe relationships or objects that are inherently sharp or harsh by nature. It suggests that just as a knife's purpose is to cut and it cannot be blunt or soft, a mother-in-law (in traditional contexts) is expected to be strict or demanding, and one should not expect otherwise.

This expression is used to describe a person who appears very soft-spoken, gentle, and virtuous on the outside (like Yudhisthira/Dharmasuta) but is actually dangerous, cunning, or ruthless like a tiger on the inside. It refers to a wolf in sheep's clothing.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely timid or submissive at home (often toward a spouse or family) but displays great courage, authority, or intimidation when dealing with the outside world. It highlights the contrast between someone's private vulnerability and their public bravado.

This expression is used to describe an impossibility or a deceptive situation. Just as it is contradictory for a Nawab (a wealthy ruler) to be poor, or for a tiger to be a gentle creature, it implies that the person or situation being discussed is fundamentally the opposite of what is being claimed.

This expression describes a person who acts brave, fierce, or authoritative in public or in front of strangers, but is timid, submissive, or easily intimidated at home or in front of their family members. It is often used to mock someone's false bravado.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation or person that is the complete opposite of what they claim to be. It highlights a paradox or a blatant lie, as a Nawab is traditionally wealthy and a tiger is inherently fierce. It is used when someone tries to portray a false image that contradicts their true nature or status.

This proverb is used to describe things that are ultimately inconsequential or lack real impact. Just as a poor person's firm stance or pride often yields to necessity, and the arguments between saintly people rarely lead to lasting enmity or violence, these situations are seen as temporary or ineffective in the larger scheme of things.

This proverb is used to describe a person who pretends to be calm, forgiving, or non-violent only because they are too weak or powerless to retaliate or take action. It highlights how some people mask their inability to act behind a facade of righteousness or saintliness.