నిజం దాచుకోవచ్చు గాని నిప్పు దాచుకోలేము.

This proverb refers to a situation where someone performs a major act of generosity or completes a significant task, but ruins it or holds back on a very small, trivial detail. It is used to describe a person who is 'penny wise and pound foolish' or someone who makes a large sacrifice but shows pettiness regarding a minor related matter.

This proverb refers to a situation where someone approaches another person with a specific request or goal but is too hesitant, shy, or secretive to state their true intention. It describes the irony of seeking help or a favor while trying to hide the very vessel needed to receive it. It is used to advise someone to be straightforward instead of being unnecessarily evasive.

This expression describes a situation where someone is harboring a dangerous secret or an imminent disaster that cannot be hidden for long. Just as dry fodder catches fire instantly, attempting to conceal something inherently volatile or destructive will lead to an inevitable and rapid catastrophe. It is used to warn someone that their current actions are self-destructive and impossible to maintain.

This proverb highlights the permanence of one's actions compared to written words. While a writer can erase or edit an error on paper, the consequences of a wrong deed or a bad decision in real life often cannot be undone. It serves as a warning to think carefully before acting.

This proverb suggests that while physical actions or temporary secrets can be concealed, one's fundamental identity, heritage, or true nature will eventually become apparent to society. It is often used to imply that some truths are too deeply rooted to remain hidden forever.

This expression suggests that while one can hide their actions, intentions, or wealth (symbolized by the hand), one's true nature, upbringing, or inherent identity cannot be concealed for long. It is often used to imply that a person's character or background will eventually reveal itself through their behavior.

Truth cannot be concealed or suppressed. If one tries to hide away truth, it is likely to harm one. It is therefore wise to reveal the truth by making a clean breast and gain peace of mind.

This proverb is used to explain that while one can hide the physical evidence of eating well (the pots used for cooking), the physical health and strength gained from it (the muscles) will eventually reveal the truth. In a broader sense, it means that internal development or true character cannot be concealed for long, even if the external process is kept secret.

This proverb refers to a person who approaches someone for help or a favor but is too hesitant, shy, or deceitful to state their true intention. It describes a situation where someone acts with false modesty or lacks the transparency needed to achieve their goal, much like someone visiting a neighbor to ask for buttermilk while trying to hide the vessel they brought to collect it in.

Pride with poverty. Pride and poverty are ill met yet often together.

This expression refers to a person who is hypocritical or selective in their behavior based on self-interest. It describes someone who acts disciplined or stingy in front of authority figures (like a mother-in-law) to make a good impression, but becomes careless or overly generous when dealing with those who have no power over them (like a child).