పడ్డవారు చెడ్డవారు కాదు

This proverb is used to explain that greatness or the size of a whole does not necessarily mean its core parts or subordinates will be equally large. It highlights that everything has its own natural limit and scale, and one should not expect the impossible or a direct proportionality in all matters.

This proverb reflects traditional social dynamics in family relationships. It suggests that a person feels closest to their wife's family (in-laws), considers their mother's side as respectable well-wishers, but views the father's side with caution or as competitors due to historical disputes over ancestral property and succession.

This expression highlights the power and potential danger of speech. While listening to something bad is passive, speaking ill of someone or spreading rumors is an active, more harmful deed. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of what one says, as spoken words can cause more damage than what one simply hears.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity and reliability of hard work, specifically in agriculture. It suggests that while farming may not make one instant royalty, honest labor in the fields will never lead to one's downfall or absolute ruin. It encourages persistence and the belief that self-employment through land will always provide a livelihood.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person puts in all the hard work, investment, or effort to create something, but a different person ultimately reaps the benefits or enjoys the results. It highlights the irony of life where the creator and the consumer are often different people.

This proverb describes a situation where people harm themselves more than others through their stubbornness or ego. A son-in-law staying away out of anger loses the hospitality/respect he would have received, and a daughter refusing food to protest only ends up hungry and weak. It is used to advise against cutting off one's nose to spite one's face.

This proverb describes a situation where an unreliable or irresponsible person is given a task or an object, which they will inevitably ruin or lose. It is used when someone entrusts something valuable to a person known for their carelessness or bad character, leading to a predictable failure.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's own impulsive, rude, or thoughtless speech leads to their downfall or causes them trouble. It emphasizes that one's words can be their own worst enemy.

This expression is used to highlight a significant disparity in power, status, or strength. It suggests that people of low means or weak standing cannot compete with or assist those who are powerful and well-equipped. It is often used to question the compatibility or parity between two unequal parties.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two opposing parties involved in a conflict or a transaction remain unscathed, while the innocent intermediaries or bystanders suffer the most. It highlights the plight of the middleman or the common person caught in the crossfire of others' actions.