ఒక కంటిలో సున్నం, ఇంకొక కంటిలో వెన్న

This is a traditional saying describing a small, ideal family structure. It suggests that a son is needed to inherit and look after the family assets (property), while a daughter is desired to fulfill the emotional longing and affection within the family.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a total loss, or when something is completely hollow, empty, or useless despite appearances. It implies that everything has gone down the drain or that the entirety of a matter results in nothingness.

This expression describes a situation where someone attempts to mediate a conflict or solve a problem by trying to satisfy two diametrically opposite parties or conditions simultaneously. It highlights the impracticality, extreme discomfort, or the absurdity of trying to balance two completely contradictory elements (heat/pain vs. cool/comfort) while making a decision.

This proverb highlights the vulnerability and risk associated with having only one of something essential. Just as losing one's only eye results in total blindness, depending on an only child (traditionally for lineage or support) is considered risky because if something happens to them, there is no backup. It is used to describe situations where a single point of failure exists.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone reacts with irritation, anger, or offense when presented with hard truths or facts. It suggests that people often find the truth painful or uncomfortable to hear, similar to the physical discomfort of being poked in the eye.

This expression is used to describe something that is inherently useless or impossible to benefit from, despite its apparent abundance or value. Even if a donkey produces a large quantity of milk, it is culturally considered unusable or impure in this context. It signifies wasting effort on something that yields no practical result.

This proverb highlights the abundance of nature and the rewards of hard work in farming. A 'mana' and 'idumu' are traditional measures of volume, with an idumu being significantly larger. It means that if a farmer sows even a small measure of seeds into the earth, nature returns a much larger harvest into their home. It is used to encourage investment and labor.

This is a traditional agricultural saying referring to the high yield of crops. It means that even a small amount of seed sown in the soil (mud) can result in a massive harvest stored at home. It is used to describe investments or efforts that yield exponentially great results.

This proverb describes extreme envy or a toxic competitive mindset. It refers to a person who is so consumed by their own lack and, more destructively, by others' success, that they end up causing their own total ruin. It is used to criticize those who cannot tolerate the prosperity of others.

This expression is used to describe showing partiality or unfair discrimination. It refers to a situation where two people or things are treated differently despite being equal, with one receiving harsh treatment (lime/caustic) and the other receiving soft, preferential treatment (butter).