పనికి బడుగు, తిండికి పెడుగు

This proverb describes a situation where the overhead, transport, or incidental costs of a task far exceed the actual value of the work itself. It is used to point out inefficiency or when the effort/cost spent to achieve something is disproportionately high compared to the final result.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is lazy and irresponsible. It characterizes someone who shows great enthusiasm and haste when it is time to eat, but avoids or lags behind when there is work to be done.

This expression is used to describe a lazy person who shows no energy or interest when it comes to doing work (acting like a lifeless corpse), but displays immense appetite and enthusiasm when it is time to eat (acting like a hungry elephant).

This proverb describes a person who is lazy, slow, or indifferent when it comes to shared or community tasks, but displays immense energy, speed, and strength when working on their own personal interests. It is used to criticize selfishness or lack of accountability in collective efforts.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely energetic and hardworking when it comes to their own personal tasks (like a thunderbolt), but becomes lazy, weak, or uninterested when it comes to shared or community responsibilities. It is used to critique selfishness and lack of cooperation in teamwork.

This proverb is used to describe a lazy person who has a massive appetite and eats very quickly (like a thunderbolt), but becomes tired, weak, or avoids effort when it is time to work. It highlights the irony of someone being energetic about consumption but lethargic about contribution.

This proverb is used to describe a lazy person who is always first in line when it comes to eating or enjoying benefits, but disappears or becomes completely incompetent when there is work to be done. 'Thimmaraju' implies a regal presence at the dining table, while 'Potharaju' here signifies someone who avoids tasks or is useless at labor.

As greedy as a monkey and as lazy as a buffalo. Like the smith's dog, that sleeps at the sound of the hammer, and wakes at the crashing of the teeth. He eats till he sweats, and works till he freezes.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely greedy or has a huge appetite when it comes to consuming resources or food, but becomes completely useless, lazy, or inactive when it is time to do any work.

This expression is used to describe a lazy person who avoids any kind of labor or responsibility but is always the first one to show up and show excitement when it comes to eating or enjoying benefits. It is a sarcastic way to critique someone's lack of work ethic.

This expression is used to remind others that being economically disadvantaged or lacking wealth does not mean a person lacks self-respect, dignity, or cultural identity. It suggests that poverty affects one's physical needs, but should not diminish their social standing or the respect they deserve.