నక్క కడుపున సింగము పుట్టునా?

This proverb is used to express that good or noble qualities cannot be expected from someone or something that is inherently inferior or bad. Just as a fragrant, divine flower like Parijata cannot grow on a toxic, milky weed like Jilledu (Calotropis), one cannot expect greatness from a base origin or nature.

Pārijāta is the Nyctanthes Arbor Tristis, a very celebrated tree said to grow in Svarga, Indra's paradise (W. Elliot). Jillēḍu is the Calotropes Gigantea.

This proverb is used to emphasize that children usually inherit the traits, courage, or characteristics of their parents. It is often said when someone expects a person born to a strong or talented family to display the same greatness, suggesting that 'greatness begets greatness' or that one's lineage determines their nature.

This proverb is used to emphasize that one's nature, quality, or lineage is determined by their origins. It suggests that greatness cannot come from a low source, or more commonly, that a person will inherit the traits of their parents or environment. It is often used to question how something inferior or vastly different could come from a specific source.

This proverb is based on the traditional Indian habit of chewing betel leaves (paan), which requires slaked lime (sunnam). Traditionally, lime production was a sign of a prosperous or active settlement. Metaphorically, it implies that if basic social or infrastructural necessities are missing in a place, one cannot expect to find sustenance or a livelihood there. It highlights that certain conditions must be met for a community to thrive.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a child or a successor is significantly more powerful, capable, or talented than their parent or predecessor. It highlights an extraordinary jump in scale or impact from one generation to the next.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a child is much more capable, talented, or powerful than their parents. While a rifle (tupaki) is a significant weapon, a cannon (phirangi) is far more powerful. It highlights a remarkable leap in stature or ability in the next generation.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the words or criticisms of an insignificant, low, or mean-minded person cannot affect or reach someone of high stature, dignity, or power. Just as a fox's howl on earth cannot reach the celestial world of Nagas (Serpent gods), the rants of a petty person do not bother a great person.

This proverb highlights the historical and cultural importance of lime (chunam) in rural India, where it was traditionally consumed with betel leaves after a meal. It implies that if a village is so impoverished or lacks basic amenities that even simple lime (for betel nut) is unavailable, it is unlikely that one can find a proper meal there. It is used to describe a place of extreme scarcity or poverty.

This proverb is used to express that children inherit the traits and character of their parents. It is often used rhetorically to say that someone of a gentle or timid nature cannot produce someone who is aggressive or brave, or more commonly, that greatness or specific qualities cannot emerge from a lineage that lacks them.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an exceptionally virtuous, talented, or noble person is born to parents of bad character or low merit. It highlights a rare and positive exception in lineage, much like finding a precious gem in an unlikely or unworthy source.