నోటికీ చేతికీ ఎంగిలిలేదు

This expression refers to someone who is extremely stingy or miserly. It describes a person who does not even eat properly (to avoid spending) nor do they ever offer a single morsel of food to others. It is used to criticize someone's lack of charity and their extreme parsimony.

In traditional social contexts, 'engili' (saliva contact) is often considered impure. This proverb highlights specific exceptions where the rules of ritual pollution are ignored or deemed inapplicable—specifically for a smoking pipe/cigar and the intimacy between a husband and wife. It is used to justify certain behaviors or to point out that some things remain unaffected by common taboos.

This proverb is used to describe things or people who lack certain inherent qualities or standards. Just as a coward (panja) can never truly possess courage, a toddy pot (used in drinking dens) is considered beyond the rules of formal cleanliness or 'engili' because of its nature and environment. It implies that some things are fundamentally inconsistent with certain virtues or social norms.

This proverb refers to someone who is constantly busy with work or a business where certain strict rules or taboos (like ritual purity in a kitchen) are practically impossible to follow. It is used to suggest that for those who serve the public or perform labor-intensive tasks, utility and necessity take precedence over minor formalities.

This proverb refers to things or creatures that do not have a permanent home or those for whom no ritualistic offerings are made. It is often used to describe people who are homeless, wanderers, or those who lead a life without recognition and social standing.

This proverb is used to highlight that certain urgent or sacred duties transcend the usual social rules of ritual purity or contamination. It implies that in extreme circumstances or during specific high-priority tasks, one should not be overly pedantic about minor rules of hygiene or traditional taboos.

This proverb describes a state of total lack of coordination, inconsistency, or being at cross-purposes. It is used when efforts are counterproductive or when people involved in a task are pulling in opposite directions, resulting in no progress or chaotic results.

This proverb describes a person who neglects the basic needs of themselves or their family while squandering resources on unworthy or external interests. It is used to criticize someone who lives in poverty or debt but acts extravagantly to impress others, especially in bad company.

This expression is used to describe someone who eats excessively or constantly, often without any sense of timing or restraint. It implies that the person is always moving their hand to their mouth to eat, regardless of whether it is day or night.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks self-control or discipline. It usually refers to someone who eats excessively without restraint or someone who speaks impulsively and acts recklessly without thinking of the consequences.