పారే నీటికి పాచి లేదు

This proverb describes a person who lacks the means to earn even a small amount of money (a 'kasu'), yet talks or acts with grand indifference toward large sums (a 'hundred'). It is used to mock someone who is boastful or financially reckless despite being in deep poverty.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely timid, submissive, or lacks the courage to talk back or stand up for themselves. It implies the person is so docile that they cannot even utter a simple syllable in response to a provocation.

This expression is used to describe a person who refuses to admit defeat or failure even when it is obvious. It characterizes someone who makes excuses to save face and maintains a false sense of pride or 'ego' despite a clear setback.

This proverb highlights two contrasting concepts: that giving to a good cause is never a loss or waste of resources, whereas forced labor (vetti) provides no financial reward or compensation to the worker. It is used to encourage voluntary service or charity while acknowledging the exploitative nature of unpaid toil.

This proverb emphasizes social stratification or the classification of quality. It suggests that people of high status, talent, or virtue (pearls) belong in one place, while those of lesser quality or common status (snails) belong in another. It is used to describe situations where 'likes belong with likes' or to point out that there is a distinct place for excellence versus mediocrity.

An 'Etam' is a traditional water-lifting device used in ancient irrigation. The singing associated with this rhythmic labor is unique and continuous. This expression is used to describe something that is incomparable, peerless, or an argument/statement so definitive that there is no possible rebuttal or equivalent response.

This expression is used to dismiss someone's attempt to present something common or old as something new or extraordinary. It suggests that the speaker has seen many such occurrences over a long period and is not easily impressed by the current situation or person's boasting.

This proverb highlights two economic truths in traditional society: first, that money spent on charity or righteous causes is never a waste as it earns merit; second, that forced or involuntary labor (vetti) never results in any monetary compensation or earnings for the worker.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has gained no actual benefit or success from their efforts, but still tries to maintain appearances or asks for a small, superficial token of recognition to save face.

This proverb describes a situation where an effort or resource is wasted without achieving the intended result, or when someone is blamed/burdened despite the situation not requiring it. It refers to a scenario where a pig is fed bran (tavida) to cure diarrhea (paaru), but even if the pig doesn't have the ailment, the bran is still consumed. It is used when expenses are incurred or sacrifices are made unnecessarily.