ముట్టుకుంటే ముత్యం, పట్టుకుంటే బంగారం

This proverb highlights the unpredictable nature of luck and timing. It suggests that when one is going through a fortunate period, even a worthless effort (mud) turns into wealth (gold), but during an unfortunate period, even a valuable investment (gold) can turn into a loss (mud). It is often used to describe the irony of success and failure.

This expression is used to describe things or situations that are perfectly suited or ill-fitting. It highlights the contrast between something that is elegantly appropriate (like a perfectly sized nose-stud) and something that is disproportionate or unsuitable (like an earring that is too large or cumbersome for the ear). It can also refer to people who are either a perfect fit for a role or completely out of place.

This expression is used to describe something that is excessively large, disproportionate, or ill-fitting for its intended purpose. It can also refer to a person who is too proud or important for a specific role, or someone who is beautiful but difficult to manage.

This expression is used to describe a situation or a person that is so problematic, fragile, or ill-fated that any involvement results in unnecessary waste of time, money, and effort. It warns against engaging with something that brings only liability.

This proverb highlights the exploitative nature of legal battles. While two parties fight each other (symbolized by holding the front and back of the cow), the lawyer is the one who ultimately benefits by milking the situation (taking their money/fees). It is used to advise people to settle disputes amicably rather than going to court.

This proverb describes the extremes of luck or fortune. It refers to a person's current 'luck streak'—when someone is highly successful, even their smallest efforts (mud) yield great results (gold). Conversely, when someone is going through a period of extreme misfortune, even their most valuable assets or best efforts fail miserably.

This proverb highlights the importance of maintaining boundaries and limits. It suggests that while showing affection or giving support is good, over-indulging someone or giving them too much freedom/authority can lead to them becoming a burden or acting out of place. It is often used to warn against spoiling children or being overly lenient with subordinates.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely lucky or highly successful in every endeavor they undertake. It is similar to the English expression 'The Midas Touch.' It implies that everything the person involves themselves in results in prosperity and success.

This expression describes the volatility of luck or fortune. It refers to a situation where a person with bad luck can turn a valuable opportunity (gold) into a failure (mud), while a person with good luck or skill can turn even a worthless thing into something precious.

This expression is used to describe a person who appears very beautiful, soft, or charming from a distance, but has a very volatile, irritable, or argumentative temperament when approached or interacted with. It highlights the contrast between someone's attractive exterior and their difficult personality.