పైకం భాగవతం వారికి, తిట్లు చాకలి మంగలివాళ్ళకు

This expression is used to describe an activity, project, or performance that is so poorly executed or ineffective that it doesn't even justify the basic cost of the resources consumed (like the oil used in lamps for light during an old-time play). It signifies a complete waste of time, effort, and resources.

This expression refers to treating different people or situations with a single, rigid standard without considering their specific differences or nuances. It highlights the error of a 'one size fits all' approach when individual circumstances should be taken into account.

This expression describes a situation where someone performs an action in an entirely inappropriate or damaging environment, resulting in unintended destruction. In the proverb, a blind person performing a dance or play (Bhagavatam) in a field of brittle brinjal (eggplant) plants would inadvertently crush the crop. It is used to mock someone who acts without considering their surroundings or someone whose clumsy efforts cause more harm than good.

This expression refers to activities that are done routinely or mechanically without much thought or specialized effort because they are part of one's inherent nature or daily trade. It is used to describe tasks that are performed as a matter of course or things that are inevitable and expected based on a person's role.

This expression refers to a situation where a single attempt or a brief encounter with a task results in an unexpected disaster or significant loss. It describes someone who, while trying to perform something grand or virtuous (like reciting the holy Bhagavatam), ends up suffering a humiliating failure or injury due to lack of experience or bad luck. It is used to caution against jumping into complex tasks without preparation.

This proverb refers to traditional preferences in village life: a barber's razor or tools are considered better when they are 'old' (well-seasoned/tested), whereas a washerman is judged by how 'new' (clean/fresh) the clothes look. It is used to describe how different professions or situations require different standards—some value experience and age, while others value freshness and appearance.

This proverb highlights that partnering with people who are constantly wandering from house to house or who do not have a stake in agricultural production leads to a lack of savings or harvest. It is used to suggest that one should choose business partners whose interests and professional habits align with the goal of the venture, otherwise, the resources will be squandered or mismanaged.

This expression is used when someone has to spend their own hard-earned money or bear a significant personal expense for something, often unexpectedly or as a penalty. It signifies a personal financial loss or 'burning a hole in one's pocket.'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one has to spend their own money or incur a personal loss even for something that should have been free, a service, or a public benefit. It signifies paying out of one's pocket for an experience or task that ends up being a burden rather than a reward.

This proverb advises on how to choose service providers based on the nature of their work. A new washerman (Chakali) is preferred because he will be more diligent and wash clothes cleaner to prove his worth. Conversely, an old barber (Mangali) is preferred because his experienced hands are less likely to cause cuts and he understands the client's preferences better.