మొగుడిని చూస్తే దండుగ, మిండని చూస్తే పండుగ

This proverb highlights the power of temptation. It suggests that the lure of beauty (lust) and money (greed) is so strong that it can compromise the integrity or stability of even the most enlightened or divine beings like Brahma. It is used to caution that everyone is susceptible to these worldly distractions.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone finds a small reason to celebrate or gains a minor benefit amidst a significant loss or a wasteful expenditure. It refers to making the best of a bad situation or finding a silver lining in a calamity.

This expression is used to convey that the real celebration or reward occurs only when efforts yield fruit. It emphasizes that success and prosperity are the true causes for celebration, rather than just the arrival of a calendar date.

This proverb emphasizes situational awareness and appropriateness. It suggests that one's actions, words, or efforts should be tailored to the specific circumstances or the tools at hand, similar to the English expression 'To suit the action to the word.'

This proverb suggests that the character and qualities of a person are often inherited or influenced by their upbringing and ancestry. It is commonly used in the context of marriage or forming long-term alliances, implying that observing the parents (background) provides a reliable preview of the individual's nature.

This proverb is used to describe people who boast about their skills or claim credit for something just by being present or witnessing an event. It highlights that observing a situation doesn't make one an expert or a participant in the actual hard work required for success.

This expression is used to describe someone who is suddenly paralyzed by extreme fear or becomes completely submissive and silent in the presence of a powerful authority figure or enemy. Garuda is the mythical eagle and the natural predator of snakes, so a snake becomes helpless upon seeing him.

* विनतायाश्च पुत्रौ द्वौ विख्यातौ गरुडारुणौ । सुपर्णः पततां श्रेष्ठो दारुणः पद्मगाशनः ॥

This proverb describes the volatility of human life or financial status. 'Ugadi' represents prosperity, feasting, and joy, while 'Kamuni Panduga' (traditionally associated with burning/ash) represents a state of lack or simplicity. It is used to describe people who live lavishly when they have money and live very simply or suffer when they do not, or to emphasize that one's circumstances dictate their lifestyle.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an unexpected or unnecessary additional expense occurs at a time when one is already spending heavily, typically during a celebration or crisis. It signifies the burden of 'wasteful' costs added to already high costs.

This traditional proverb suggests that certain tasks or resources are best managed by those who have a keen eye for them. A woman is believed to be very efficient at spotting and gathering small resources like fish from a pond, leaving nothing behind. Similarly, a man is believed to be thorough in harvesting or guarding a threshing floor. It is used to describe situations where a resource has been so thoroughly picked over or managed by an expert that nothing remains for others.