నిలుకడ నీళ్ళకే నాచు పడుతుంది

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks integrity and frequently changes their stance or promises. It specifically refers to people who are unreliable, fickle, or untrustworthy in their speech, much like an uncouth official who changes rules at his whim.

This expression describes a person who is extremely miserly or stingy. It refers to someone who tries to gain credit for being charitable or generous by offering something worthless (like the sour water leftover from soaking tamarind) as if it were a great sacrifice.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is restless, indecisive, or constantly on the move. Just as a person drinking water from their hands or a vessel might be in a hurry to finish and move on, it refers to a person who lacks patience or a steady nature.

This expression is used to describe someone who is untrustworthy, manipulative, or frequently changes their stance. A 'black tongue' (machanaluka) metaphorically refers to someone whose words can bring misfortune or someone who lies habitually, implying that their promises or statements cannot be relied upon.

This proverb is used to mock someone who is hesitant or fearful of a small, minor challenge. It suggests that if a person cannot handle a trivial difficulty, they will never be able to manage much larger responsibilities or hardships.

This proverb highlights that constant arguing or talking back ruins the quality of a conversation, just as algae/moss spoils the purity of water. It suggests that excessive talkativeness or being argumentative is a negative trait that hinders meaningful communication.

This proverb highlights things that lack permanence or reliability. Just as the shade of a tall, thin palm tree shifts rapidly and offers no real shelter, an illicit or informal relationship lacks legal or social security. It is used to describe situations or people that cannot be depended upon in the long run.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes corrective action or precautions after the damage has already been done and it is too late to be effective. It is similar to the English proverb 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

This expression refers to someone who lacks consistency or reliability in their character. Just as it is impossible to tie water in a bundle, it is impossible to hold a fickle person to their promises. It is used to caution against trusting the words of those who frequently change their minds or lack integrity.

A fool's speech is a bubble of air.

This proverb is used to describe a person who does not stick to their word or lacks consistency in their promises. Just as it is impossible to pack or carry water in a bundle, the promises of an inconsistent person have no substance and cannot be relied upon.