నేతిగూన చేతబూని, నిచ్చెన ఎక్కినట్లు

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely unpredictable in their generosity. When they choose to give, they give in massive, overwhelming quantities (like the 'milk' or yield of a giant elephant), but they might also go long periods without giving anything at all. It refers to a temperament that is erratic—either total abundance or nothing.

This expression refers to undertaking a task that is extremely precarious and demands absolute focus. Just as one must be incredibly careful not to spill the precious ghee or fall while climbing a ladder, this phrase is used to describe a situation where even a small mistake could lead to a significant loss or failure.

This expression is used to describe someone who attempts tasks that are completely unnecessary or redundant. A 'neelamunaga' (ground drumstick/low shrub) is so short that you can reach it while sitting or standing on the ground, so using a ladder is a sign of foolishness or over-complicating a simple situation.

The Vempali (Wild Indigo) is a small, weak-stemmed shrub that cannot support any weight. This expression is used to describe a futile effort or an impossible task where someone tries to rely on something that lacks the necessary strength or foundation. It signifies misplaced effort or depending on an unreliable source.

This expression refers to someone who is extremely over-ambitious or unrealistic. It describes a person who makes impossible plans or harbors grand illusions that have no basis in reality. It is often used to mock someone's impractical or 'sky-high' aspirations.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or helps another person to take a risk or reach a certain position, only to abandon them or withdraw support once they are vulnerable. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in a helpless situation after leading them into it.

This expression is used to describe an impossible task or highly unrealistic and overambitious plans. It refers to a person having 'lofty' ideas or goals that are practically unattainable, similar to the English idiom 'reaching for the stars' but often with a connotation of futility or sarcasm.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or helps another person to start a difficult task or take a risk, but then abandons them or removes their support once they are in a vulnerable position. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in the lurch.

This expression is used to describe a person who is highly over-ambitious or someone who attempts an impossible task. It refers to a dreamer who thinks of unrealistic or unattainable goals.

The Vempali (Wild Indigo) is a very small, thin shrub that grows only a few feet high. Placing a ladder against it is absurd and impossible. This proverb is used to describe someone attempting a completely unnecessary or disproportionately large effort for a tiny task, or trying to do something that is logically impossible due to the nature of the object involved.