పన్నెండు ఆమడల మధ్య బ్రాహ్మణుడు లేకపోతే యజ్ఞం చేయిస్తాను అన్నాడట

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone settles for a substitute or an alternative when the original or preferred choice is unavailable. It highlights the human tendency to find a replacement, sometimes even an inappropriate or simplified one, just to fill a void.

This expression is used to describe a person who refuses to change their inherent bad habits or character, regardless of how much advice they receive or how much effort is made to reform them. It is similar to the English proverb 'A leopard cannot change its spots'.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.

Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is recklessly indifferent to warnings or signs of impending trouble. It mocks someone who, when cautioned about a small problem or a specific ritualistic requirement (like fasting on Ekaadasi), responds with extreme exaggeration or sarcasm instead of addressing the issue.

This is a humorous proverb used to describe people who blindly follow others even in illogical situations, or those who display a 'sour grapes' attitude. In the story behind the proverb, a poor man thinks dying is a luxury or a requirement that even the rich aren't fulfilling, so he refuses to 'participate' in it. It highlights foolish competitiveness or a lack of understanding of natural laws.

Said by a man when unwillingly refusing to eat something because Velamas did the same. Never be ashamed to eat your meat. He that is ashamed to eat is ashamed to live. ( French. )*

This proverb is used to describe people who boast or make grand claims about their abilities or achievements when there is no expert or authority present to verify them. It highlights the tendency of some to act brave or knowledgeable only when they face no accountability or challenge.

This proverb describes people who are overly superstitious or pedantic about words, interpreting even neutral addresses as bad omens. 'Ekadasi' is associated with fasting (hunger/burning), and 'Dwadasi' is associated with breaking the fast (often linked to various rituals). It is used to mock those who find negative hidden meanings in harmless greetings or titles, or those who are perpetually cranky and reactionary regardless of how they are addressed.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe someone who has finally completed a task or achieved something after an incredibly long delay or a lifetime of procrastination. It highlights that the action, while positive, took an unnecessarily long time to occur.

This proverb is used to describe a person who makes grand promises or offers help only under impossible or highly unlikely conditions. It highlights insincerity and the tendency to set unreachable criteria just to escape responsibility while appearing generous.

This expression refers to a situation where someone is formally invited to do something they were already prepared or going to do anyway. It is used to describe a redundant or unnecessary invitation, or when someone tries to take credit for an action that the other person was already committed to performing.

* Corpo satollo non crede al digtuno, 20 ( 153 )