నత్త గుల్లలో ముత్యాలు 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 expression is used sarcastically to question someone who is being unusually silent or refusing to speak. It implies that the person is acting as if speaking would cause them to lose something incredibly valuable, like pearls.

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 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 proverb highlights the importance of basic resources and prerequisites. If a village lacks essential raw materials or the base for prosperity (like oil or ghee), it is unlikely to provide a full, comfortable meal or a livelihood. It is used to describe situations where one cannot expect a significant outcome when the fundamental necessities are missing.

This proverb is used to describe the natural segregation or grouping of people based on their qualities, status, or character. It implies that 'like attracts like' and that people of similar nature (good with good, or bad with bad) tend to congregate in their own respective circles.

This proverb is used to say that people or things of low quality or character cannot be transformed into something of high value or excellence just by wishing it. It emphasizes that inherent nature remains unchanged and is often used as a retort when someone tries to compare something mediocre to something superior.

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 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.

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.