ముష్టికిపోయి, తుష్టిలేదని పలవరించినట్లు

This expression is used to describe a person who has excessive or grand requirements for a very small or humble task. It highlights the irony of someone who, despite being in a position of seeking help or doing something minor, demands or carries more tools than necessary.

This proverb emphasizes that while animals derive their strength solely from physical food, human beings require mental satisfaction and contentment (shanti) to be truly healthy and strong. It suggests that a person's well-being is more dependent on their state of mind and what they possess spiritually/mentally than just physical nourishment.

This proverb describes a person who is excessively lazy or dependent. It refers to someone who waits for someone else's arrival or help to perform even a basic task or to seek their own livelihood, showing a lack of initiative and a tendency to procrastinate.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is overwhelmed by too many superiors, advisors, or authorities. When there are too many people giving orders or interference from many sides (metaphorically 300 mother-in-laws), the person at the bottom (the daughter-in-law) is reduced to a state of helplessness or poverty of spirit, unable to satisfy anyone.

This expression refers to a person who, despite being in a position of need or seeking a favor, behaves with excessive pride, arrogance, or bossiness. It describes the irony of someone asking for help (alms) while maintaining an attitude of superiority or coercion.

This expression refers to a group of four evil or malicious individuals who collaborate to cause harm. Historically, it originates from the Mahabharata, referring to Duryodhana, Dushasana, Karna, and Shakuni. In modern usage, it is often used in political or social contexts to criticize a group of four people working together with bad intentions.

This expression is a play on words using 'Mushti' (which can mean both 'a fist' and 'begging/alms'). It highlights the ironic situation where someone who is already poor or a beggar themselves tries to help another beggar. It is used to describe an act of charity performed by those who have very little to give, emphasizing that even the smallest act of kindness from the poor is significant.

This proverb is used to describe someone who, despite having long-standing experience in a state of lack or misfortune, still manages to be clumsy, greedy, or inefficient when an opportunity finally arises. It often refers to someone who doesn't know how to handle a situation even after being in it for a very long time, or someone whose deep-rooted habits make them over-eager in a way that is counterproductive.

This proverb is used when the pleasure or satisfaction derived from an action is completely offset or negated by the resulting loss or trouble. It describes a break-even situation where the gain was not worth the cost, or where the damage done balances out the enjoyment felt.

This expression refers to a situation where someone who is already in a state of seeking help or living on charity decides to share a portion of what they have received with someone even more needy. It signifies an act of extreme generosity or charity performed by a person who themselves has very little.