నీటికి నాచు తెగులు, నాతికి రంగు తెగులు

This proverb suggests that arguing or talking back incessantly ruins the quality of a conversation, much like how moss pollutes and spoils a body of water. It is used to advise against unnecessary arguments or being argumentative for the sake of it.

This expression is used to describe the aging process, specifically referring to how black hair eventually turns white as one gets older. It highlights the inevitability of aging and the transition into the senior stages of life.

This proverb highlights how things are often ruined by elements internal to them. Just as stagnant water grows algae, a conversation is ruined by argumentative retorts, and a community or family is often weakened by internal conflicts or sabotage from its own members rather than external forces.

This expression is used to convey that nobody is perfect or immune to troubles, not even the most powerful or knowledgeable beings. It highlights that everyone, regardless of their status or wisdom, has their own weaknesses, flaws, or moments of confusion.

This proverb describes an occupational hazard or a situation where a person is affected by the very tools or materials they work with every day. It is used to point out that one often faces problems inherent to their own profession or lifestyle.

This proverb highlights internal conflicts and self-destruction within a community. It means that the biggest threat or decay to a group usually comes from its own members, much like how moss originates from and eventually covers the water it grows in. It is used to describe situations where people harm their own kind.

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 is used to mock someone who fails at a simple, basic task but makes grand claims about achieving something much more difficult or impossible. It highlights the gap between one's actual abilities and their unrealistic ambitions.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person of very low status, importance, or capability puts on airs or suffers from problems usually associated with those of higher status. It highlights the irony of someone insignificant having an exaggerated or unlikely issue.

The Hindus' cure for the staggers is branding the flanks and legs with a ploughshare. Applied to measures quite out of proportion to the necessities of the case.

This expression is used to describe a person who makes constant excuses to avoid work or responsibility, yet claims inability even for things that benefit them just to be stubborn or lazy. It highlights the behavior of someone who is never cooperative, regardless of the situation.