మెరుగుపెట్టనిదే మృదువు కాదు.

This expression is used to highlight extreme corruption. It suggests that nothing, even the most basic or essential action, can be accomplished without paying a bribe. It is typically used when criticizing a system where illegal gratification has become mandatory for every step of a process.

This proverb describes how authority or influence works in certain situations. It suggests that a person who is intoxicated will sing whatever they like regardless of skill, and similarly, the world follows and applauds the person who is currently successful or in power. It is used to highlight that rules often bend for those who are currently influential or dominating a situation.

This proverb emphasizes self-reliance and the transient nature of external aid. Just as manure only provides a temporary boost to the soil's fertility and eventually depletes, words or promises from others are not a reliable substitute for one's own actions or tangible support. It suggests that one should build their own strengths rather than depending on borrowed resources or empty talk.

This expression means that a person's character or skills cannot be refined without discipline, training, or hard work. Just as raw rice needs polishing to be pleasant to consume, humans need effort and guidance to achieve excellence and grace.

This expression means that excellence or brilliance cannot be achieved without hard work, refinement, or practice. Just as a gem needs to be polished to sparkle, a person or a skill needs consistent effort and improvement to reach its full potential.

This proverb highlights that certain natural states or circumstances are indifferent to status or comfort. Traveling on a road requires effort regardless of one's social standing (authority), and when a person is truly exhausted, they will fall asleep regardless of how comfortable the bed is.

This proverb highlights that a simple, kind, or honest word is sufficient to correct or influence a person of good character. While a stubborn or wicked person might require force or punishment, a virtuous person understands and responds to reason and gentle communication.

This proverb expresses that truth is inevitable and self-evident to a higher power or the natural order, just as it is the natural property of water to flow towards lower ground. It is used to assert one's honesty or to imply that the truth will eventually find its way out regardless of attempts to hide it.

This expression means that some people will not perform their duties or act unless they are given a bribe, an incentive, or a strong push. It highlights that without a certain necessary 'motivation' (often used in a cynical or satirical context regarding corruption or laziness), nothing moves forward.

This proverb is based on the belief in 'Prarabdha Karma' or fate. It suggests that unless something is predestined (written by Brahma on one's forehead), it will not manifest in reality or be expressed through one's words. It is used to describe situations where things only happen if they are meant to be.