ముఖంలో సుఖం లేదు, మోకాళ్ళలో బిగువు లేదు

This proverb highlights a sense of relief when a major danger or a fatal blow is narrowly avoided, resulting only in a minor injury. It is used to express that a small loss or superficial damage is a blessing when compared to a potential life-threatening or catastrophic failure.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is eccentric or stubborn and refuses to conform to the group. When everyone is heading in one direction or agreeing on a common path, this person intentionally chooses a different, often illogical, direction or opinion.

This proverb highlights that for a person who is financially well-off or has enough resources to take a break, being sick (like having a fever) provides a legitimate excuse to rest and be pampered without worrying about work. It is used to describe a situation where someone can afford the luxury of leisure during minor ailments.

This proverb highlights the restless nature of excessive desire. It means that there is no limit to human ambition or greed, and a person consumed by constant cravings can never find peace of mind or restful sleep. It is used to describe someone who is never satisfied with what they have.

This proverb suggests that if a major danger or a fatal blow is avoided, even a minor injury or loss feels like a relief or a blessing in comparison. It is used when someone escapes a life-threatening situation with only minor consequences.

This proverb is used to describe the highs and lows of a livelihood or profession. Just as a farmer feels deep grief when a calf dies (a loss of future potential) but feels immense satisfaction when the cow gives milk (immediate reward), it signifies that every gain comes with its own set of risks and emotional burdens.

This expression refers to the unnecessary pride or stubbornness shown by people who are not in a position to afford such an attitude. It is used to describe a situation where someone lacks resources but still acts with a stiff, unyielding, or overly dignified posture, often to their own disadvantage.

This expression is used to describe a situation or a thing that is of very low value or trivial significance. It implies that being associated with such a person or thing brings no real benefit (honor), and losing it or failing in it causes no real loss or sorrow. It emphasizes the pointlessness of pursuing something inferior.

This expression is used to signify that doing things roughly, superficially, or focusing only on physical force without emotional depth or proper context leads to no real satisfaction or result. It emphasizes that quality, subtlety, and genuine engagement are more important than mere physical effort or mechanical action.

This expression is used to question the true source of contentment, contrasting temporary material riches with spiritual peace or divine proximity. It originated from a famous kirtana by the saint-composer Tyagaraja, who refused royal gifts in favor of his devotion.