నొసట కళ్ళు లేవు, నోట్లో పళ్ళు లేవు

This expression is used to describe a person who is completely useless or of no benefit to others. Just as the cactus plant neither offers food (fruit) nor relief from the sun (shade), some people possess neither resources to share nor a helpful nature.

This is a satirical historical proverb reflecting on a period of extreme poverty or decline. Mustaches are traditionally symbols of pride and masculinity (lords), while rafters (vasalu) are essential for building a house. It implies that the rulers lost their dignity and the common people lost their shelter, used to describe situations where everyone, regardless of status, is lacking basic necessities or pride.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is burdened with relentless work or duty without any respite, often while lacking the necessary means or support to perform it easily. It refers to the mythological depiction of the Sun God (Surya) who must travel across the sky daily without a break, driven by Aruna, a charioteer who is thighless (has no legs). It highlights the irony of a powerful deity being bound by an endless, demanding cycle.

This proverb describes a situation where a household is suffering from extreme poverty or lack of basic necessities, yet the family members are busy fighting or holding grudges instead of working together to solve their problems. It is used to mock people who prioritize ego and petty disputes over survival and common sense.

This proverb describes a situation where someone suddenly acquires or flaunts something new late in life that they never had before, often appearing out of place or pretentious. It is used to mock people who experience sudden prosperity or change their habits inconsistently with their past life, or to describe an unexpected event happening at an unusual time.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone aims for something grand or ambitious but lacks even the most basic necessities. It highlights a stark irony or extreme poverty/scarcity.

* A fonte puro pura default aqua.

This proverb describes someone who lacks basic necessities at home or in their own life, yet pretends to be wealthy or spends their energy and resources celebrating or interfering in others' affairs. It is used to mock people who ignore their own poverty or problems while putting on a show for the public.

This proverb is used to highlight double standards or hypocrisy in power dynamics. It suggests that when a person in authority (like a mother-in-law) makes a mistake, it is ignored or excused, but when a subordinate (like a daughter-in-law) does the same, it is heavily criticized.

Historically, this proverb reflects an old belief that a son is necessary to perform final rites for parents to attain 'Moksha' (salvation). In a modern context, it is often used to discuss traditional family values or the cultural importance placed on continuing the lineage.

This proverb is used to describe a story, explanation, or excuse that lacks logic, consistency, or a proper foundation. It refers to something that is nonsensical or a 'cock and bull story' where the details don't add up or have no basis in reality.