పాతముండలందరూ పోగయి కొత్తముండ తాడు తెంపినట్టు.

This proverb highlights human hypocrisy and double standards in judging mistakes. It describes a situation where people exaggerate the mistakes of others (the daughter-in-law's mistake is seen as destroying something brand new) while making excuses for their own or their favorites' mistakes (the mother-in-law's broken pot is dismissed as having been old and already broken). It is used to point out unfair bias and blame-shifting.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely clever, mischievous, or deceitful in a destructive way. It refers to someone who can simultaneously perform a restrictive action (like hobbling an animal) and a socially disruptive or cruel action (like breaking a widow's traditional bond). In modern usage, it often characterizes a person who is capable of doing anything, often implying they are a cunning troublemaker or a 'smart aleck' who creates chaos.

This expression refers to two equally unsuitable, messy, or incompetent people joining forces. It is used to describe a partnership where both parties have flaws or poor reputations, suggesting that their union will not produce a positive result, but rather a doubled mess.

This is a sarcastic or cynical proverb used to suggest that a known relative (even one who might be difficult or considered unlucky like a widow in old social contexts) is more reliable or helpful in times of need than a stranger who is merely 'noble' or 'virtuous' in name. It emphasizes that family ties, however flawed, often provide more practical support than the abstract goodness of outsiders.

A bad bush is better than the open field. Better a lean jade than an empty halter.

This expression is used to describe the union or cooperation of two equally incompetent, useless, or disreputable people. It suggests that when two people with similar flaws join forces, the outcome is likely to be unproductive or messy, as neither can help the other improve.

Burglars disguise their faces, and lepers oil their sores. Birds of a feather flock together.

This expression is used to describe a situation of extreme confusion, circular logic, or a 'chicken and egg' dilemma. It refers to the irony that a blacksmith needs a hammer to make pincers, but needs pincers to hold the metal to make a hammer. It is often used to mock someone who is confused about the order of operations or stuck in a paradox.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where experienced people who have already suffered a misfortune or are in a bad state, influence or force a newcomer into the same miserable condition. It highlights the toxic behavior of groups who, instead of helping someone avoid their fate, actively work to ensure the new person suffers just like they did.

This proverb is used to describe people who show false bravery by attacking someone who is already defeated or in a weak position. It highlights that it takes no courage to strike an opponent who can no longer defend themselves, mocking those who boast about such easy victories.

This proverb describes a situation where an experienced person says something casually or out of habit, but an inexperienced or fearful person takes it too seriously and reacts with unnecessary panic. It highlights how fear and lack of experience can lead one to misinterpret a trivial situation as a major crisis.

This expression is used when two people with similar bad habits, flaws, or negative reputations join forces or become friends. It implies that their association will likely lead to even more trouble or messiness, similar to how soot and oil together create a persistent stain. It is often used to describe a partnership of incompetent or mischievous individuals.