పనిలేని మంగలి పిల్లి తల గొరిగినట్టు.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes action first and then looks for the right time or rules to follow. It refers to an act of 'closing the stable door after the horse has bolted' or doing something in an illogical order. In traditional Indian culture, one usually checks for an auspicious day (Tithi/Nakshatram) before getting a haircut; doing so after the act is completed is futile and pointless.

This expression refers to a job done very poorly, unevenly, or incompletely. It describes a situation where a task is performed haphazardly, leaving patches of unfinished work, much like an unskilled barber leaving patches of hair on a head.

The pilgrims who visit the sacred hill of Tirupati have to be shaved before entering the temple. The barbers in their greediness to secure customers are said to keep numbers round them half shaven, leaving off one to commence another. Dabbling in many things, but completing none.

This expression is used to describe a job that is done extremely poorly, clumsily, or incompletely. It refers to someone who lacks the necessary skill or patience, resulting in a 'patchy' or disastrous outcome, much like a barber who leaves tufts of hair everywhere.

This proverb describes a situation where an idle person engages in useless, absurd, or counterproductive activities just to keep themselves busy. It is used to mock someone who performs unnecessary tasks out of boredom or lack of real work.

A man pretending to be fully employed.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has no productive work to do and ends up engaging in useless, absurd, or impossible tasks just to stay busy. It highlights the foolishness of idle minds.

This proverb is used to describe someone who, out of boredom or lack of productive work, engages in useless, absurd, or counterproductive activities. It highlights how an idle mind can lead to wasting time on impossible or foolish tasks.

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 the vulnerability and neglect a child might face without a mother's protection. It is used to express that someone without a primary guardian or advocate is often mistreated or exploited by others.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two people, often who should be at odds or are expected to be rivals, secretly collaborate or help each other for mutual benefit. It is frequently used to highlight how internal and external parties might conspire together, often in a negative or mischievous context.

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.