మూతి పెట్టినవాడు మేత పెట్టడా?

This is a sarcastic rhetorical question used when someone expects resources or wealth to be provided by people who are already struggling or have nothing left to give. It highlights the impossibility of expecting a legacy or support from a source that is itself perishing or in extreme poverty.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone prioritizes an outsider or a distant relative over their own family, only to end up losing everything. It highlights the folly of misplaced priorities and the resulting regret when a primary responsibility is neglected for a secondary one.

This proverb expresses faith and providence. It suggests that if a creator or initiator (often referring to God or a parent) brings something into existence, they will also take the responsibility to provide for its needs and ensure its survival. It is used to offer comfort during uncertain times.

This expression describes extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It refers to a person who harms their benefactor or someone who has helped them in their time of need. It is used to condemn the act of biting the hand that feeds you.

This proverb emphasizes the virtue of gratitude and loyalty. It suggests that it is a great sin or an act of extreme betrayal to harm or cheat someone who has helped or supported you during your time of need.

Kannam is a hole made by burglars in the wall of a house.

This proverb describes a person who neither does a good deed themselves nor allows others to do it. It is used to criticize dog-in-the-manger behavior where someone obstructs progress or charity despite having no intention of contributing themselves.

Said by a beggar of one from whom he generally received alms.

This proverb expresses faith in providence or destiny. It implies that the creator or the person who initiated a task will also take responsibility for its sustenance and well-being. It is often used to reassure someone that their basic needs will be met by the divine or by those who brought them into a certain situation.

Will God not support the creatures of his hand? Said by a man who has lost his means of support. God never sends mouths but he sends meat.

This expression is used to describe an investment or a favor that yields no return or future benefit. In a traditional social context, it implies that providing for those who cannot reproduce or contribute back to the lineage is a dead-end expenditure.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone receives a punishment or a harsh consequence that they practically invited upon themselves through their mischievous or annoying behavior. It implies that a person's 'itch' for trouble was cured by a 'heavy blow' of reality or discipline.

This proverb describes someone who is extremely stubborn or lazy. It refers to a person who will not perform a necessary task or change their behavior until they are scolded, punished, or forced by authority. It is used in contexts where discipline is the only way to get a result.