పాడి దాచవలె, పంట పొగడవలె

This proverb highlights the necessity of protection or advocacy. Just as a wall protects a crop (madi) from intruders or animals, a clever or articulate husband protects his family from being taken advantage of by society. It is used to suggest that one needs either physical security or a clever person to handle external worldly affairs effectively.

This expression describes a household where the father is restless, thin, or constantly moving like a spindle (kaduru), while the mother is steady, stout, or sedentary like a pot-rest/base-ring (kuduru). It is used to remark on the contrasting physical appearances or temperaments of a husband and wife.

This proverb is used to describe things or situations that have no middle ground or compromise. It refers to gold, which must either be in the hands of the goldsmith to be shaped or in the furnace (brazier) to be purified. It implies that a person or a task should either be completely involved in the process or undergoing transformation, leaving no room for being idle or halfway done.

This proverb advises adaptability and acceptance of circumstances. It suggests that if something can be extended or managed, do so; but if a situation becomes uncontrollable or a failure is inevitable (like slipping), one should accept the outcome rather than struggling pointlessly. It is often used to describe going with the flow or being practical about one's limitations.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely greedy and wants everything for themselves. It refers to someone who wants the big profits (pure gold), the small gains (loose change), and also wants to show off their wealth (turning the neck to display heavy jewelry). It is used to mock people who are never satisfied and try to grab every possible benefit in a situation.

This proverb advises adaptability and presence of mind based on the situation. It suggests that if things are going your way (stretching), you should make the most of it, but if a failure or slip-up is inevitable, one should accept it and fall gracefully rather than struggling fruitlessly. It is used to describe going with the flow of circumstances.

This proverb emphasizes that genuine care, patience, and nourishment can only be expected from one's own mother or Mother Nature (the land). It suggests that outsiders or strangers will never have the same selfless commitment or 'protective' instinct toward someone else's growth as a parent or the earth does. It is often used to highlight the importance of roots and maternal care.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or highly selfish desire where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of something without any of the associated costs or natural consequences. In this context, it refers to wanting children to be healthy and grow (like sturdy logs) while simultaneously wishing that they never consume the food in the house. It highlights a paradoxical or stingy mindset.

This humorous proverb describes a person who is lazy and opportunistic. It is used to mock someone who shows great enthusiasm for benefits (like eating) but avoids responsibility or hard labor.

This proverb describes a situation where someone pretends to be sympathetic or helpful while actually causing harm or dealing a severe blow. It is used to describe a calculated action that appears kind on the surface but is intended to teach a painful lesson or inflict damage, or to describe someone who acts with duplicity.