మొండి శిఖండి

This proverb is used to describe a person who is completely indifferent to criticism, insults, or social expectations. Just as a dead, leafless tree stump is unaffected by the blowing wind, a thick-skinned or shameless person remains unmoved and unbothered regardless of how much they are shamed or corrected by others.

This expression describes extreme sycophancy, blind obedience, or a 'yes-man' attitude. It is used to characterize someone who agrees with everything a powerful person says, even if the statements are contradictory or obviously false, just to please them.

Said of the power of a great and unjust man.

This expression describes a situation where two equally stubborn or determined individuals clash. It is used when a person who refuses to yield meets someone who is relentlessly persistent in their demand or pursuit. It highlights a stalemate between a 'stubborn refuser' and a 'persistent pursuer'.

This proverb suggests that men can often coexist or work together without much drama, whereas a gathering of women (symbolized by hair buns) might lead to gossip, disagreements, or complications that disrupt the harmony of a group. It is used to caution against the potential for discord when a small group of people known for talking gather together.

This proverb describes a confrontation between two equally obstinate individuals. It is used to illustrate a situation where a person who refuses to yield or pay up is met with someone who is equally relentless and persistent in their demand until they get what they want.

This expression describes a situation where someone unknowingly or foolishly invites their own destruction by challenging a much stronger force. Just as grasshoppers are instantly consumed by the fire they jump into, it refers to actions that are suicidal or self-destructive due to ignorance or overconfidence.

This proverb describes a situation where both the mentor and the student are unyielding and lack synergy or wisdom. It is used to mock a duo or partnership where one person is obstinate and the other is thick-headed or unresponsive to learning, making any progress impossible.

This proverb is used to describe a situation or a machine that is unreliable or inconsistent. It refers to something that works perfectly when it wants to but becomes completely uncooperative or stationary when it faces a hurdle. It is often applied to old vehicles, unpredictable people, or projects that lack a steady momentum.

This traditional proverb suggests that while a large number of men (symbolized by 'shikha' or tufts) can work together or live in harmony, even a small number of women (symbolized by 'koppu' or hair buns) often find it difficult to coexist without conflict or disagreements. It is typically used to remark on domestic friction or the perceived difficulty of managing multiple women in a single household.

This proverb highlights the difficulty of achieving harmony or cooperation among a small group of women compared to a large group of men. It is often used to describe situations where constant bickering or differences in opinion among a few women prevent a consensus or peaceful environment, suggesting that their temperaments or domestic rivalries are harder to reconcile than the collective will of many men.