మొదళ్ళు మీకు, మోసులు మాకు

Used to describe a situation where there is an unfair distribution of benefits or a lopsided deal. It refers to a person taking the substantial part (the food) for themselves while offering something insignificant or hard to digest (the nut) to others.

This expression is used to emphasize that suffering and challenges are an inherent part of the human experience. It is often said to comfort someone going through a hard time, suggesting that since they are human, it is natural to face difficulties, unlike inanimate objects or trees ('maakulu') which do not experience emotional or situational distress.

This expression is used in situations involving negotiation or bribery where one party receives credit, honor, or praise (the word), while the other party receives financial gain or material wealth (the bundle/money). It implies a mutually beneficial deal where social status and material profit are divided between the parties.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person who is supposed to be subordinate or younger ends up dominating or controlling the person who should be in charge. It highlights an ironic reversal of roles or a situation where someone finds a match for their stubbornness or authority.

This proverb warns against excessive generosity or helping others at the cost of one's own basic needs or survival. It suggests that doing charity while neglecting your own family or self is foolish and unsustainable, much like a business transaction that results in the loss of the principal investment.

This proverb reflects a common human bias and double standard within families. It highlights how parents often overlook their own child's faults (viewing them with affection) while being overly critical, dismissive, or insensitive toward their daughter-in-law's efforts and intelligence.

This proverb is used to describe a transaction or a deal where one party receives credit, fame, or verbal praise while the other party receives the material profit or payment. It highlights a situation where one person gets the glory and the other gets the money.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a weak or insignificant person's threats or actions have no effect on a strong or stable entity. It highlights that minor provocations cannot disturb something truly firm and powerful.

This proverb describes unfair partiality or double standards within a household. It refers to a situation where a woman treats her husband poorly (giving him a small, rough leaf to eat from) while showing excessive hospitality or preference toward her son-in-law (giving him a large, premium banana leaf). It is used to mock people who value outsiders or guests more than their own family members.

This proverb describes a person who lacks focus or sincerity, acting with a divided mind. It is used to point out hypocrisy or a lack of concentration where someone pretends to do one thing while their heart and thoughts are actually somewhere else entirely.