పరిగేరిన గింజలు కరువు కడ్డం రావు

This proverb describes a paradoxical situation where a professional or skilled worker lacks the very thing they produce for others. It is used to highlight irony, such as a doctor who is always sick or a financial advisor who is broke.

This expression is used to highlight the obvious origin of something or to indicate that the core essence (the rice) is hidden within a shell (the husk). It serves as a metaphor for looking beyond the external covering to find the true value or substance inside.

This proverb describes a situation where a person suffers a large loss while chasing a very small gain. It is used to mock poor planning or misplaced priorities where the effort to earn something tiny results in neglecting and losing something much more valuable.

This proverb highlights the inherent resilience or nature of certain entities. A tree provides shade and fruit regardless of external conditions, and a savvy merchant (traditionally referred to as Komati) always finds a way to manage their trade or load without feeling the 'weight' or loss. It is used to describe situations where people are naturally equipped to handle specific hardships or roles.

This proverb is used to describe something that remains busy or functional regardless of the external situation. Just as a mortar is used to grind grain even during a famine (to process whatever little food is available), certain people or systems continue their routine or extraction despite the hardships around them.

Some grain or other is always pounded in it. Said of a person who is exempted by his position from the loss which falls upon others, or of one who escapes a general misfortune.

This proverb describes a situation where a person suffers a large loss while trying to achieve a small gain. It is used to highlight poor prioritization or scenarios where the cost of an endeavor far outweighs the potential reward.

This proverb describes a situation where one incurs a massive loss while trying to save a small amount of money or while focusing on minor expenses. It is used to highlight poor management or irony when the overhead/accidental losses far exceed the actual cost of work.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort to earn a small gain results in a much larger loss. It is used when someone's attempt to save or earn a little bit of money backfires, leading to a significant setback or waste at home due to their absence or lack of oversight. (Note: A 'toomu' is a larger measurement than a 'kuncham'.)

A tūmu is a measure equal to 4 kunchams. One step forwards and two backwards.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb highlighting the high productivity and auspiciousness of the Bharani Karthi (astrological season) for sesame cultivation. It implies that sesame sown during this specific time results in an exceptionally bountiful harvest, where even a single pod contains an abundant amount of grain.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the profit or benefit gained from an endeavor is so small that it barely covers one's immediate needs or is just enough to fit in a small cloth. It typically refers to meager earnings or a share that doesn't live up to expectations.