పెద్దఇంటి అంకు, పెద్దమనిషి బొంకు తెలియవు.

This proverb suggests that just as it is difficult to measure the depth of an overgrown or abandoned pit, it is equally difficult to fathom the true intentions, thoughts, or internal nature of a seemingly quiet or good person. It is often used to remind others that appearances can be deceptive and that calm people often possess deep, complex characters or hidden strengths.

This expression is used to highlight hypocrisy. It describes a person who preaches strict rules, values, or traditions to others but ignores them when it comes to their own personal gain or basic needs. It suggests that even those who act superior or disciplined are ultimately driven by the same basic desires or self-interest as everyone else.

This proverb suggests that people often use pretenses to protect their interests. A wealthy person might fake a cough or illness to avoid fulfilling a social obligation or giving money, just as a fake ascetic might wear saffron robes (kaashaayam) to deceive others. It is used to describe deceptive behavior used to hide the truth or avoid responsibility.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person tries to cover up a mistake or a wrongdoing with a lie. If the lie is believed, they get away with it (it remains just a 'lie'); if the lie fails and they are caught, the act is exposed as something much more scandalous or serious. It highlights how people manipulate truths to suit their convenience until they are caught.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone intentionally makes a mistake or gets into trouble despite being fully aware of the consequences or the danger beforehand.

This expression highlights traditional social dynamics where the eldest son and the eldest son-in-law are given the highest priority, responsibility, and respect in family matters and decision-making. It is often used to emphasize their leadership role or the heavy expectations placed upon them.

This proverb highlights that outward appearances are deceptive. Just as you cannot judge the internal strength or quality of a tree's timber by looking at its bark, you cannot know a person's true intentions, character, or secrets just by their external behavior.

This provocative proverb is used to criticize or point out that even the greatest epics contain flaws and moral complexities. In a broader sense, it is used to argue that no one or nothing is perfect, or to justify small mistakes by comparing them to the controversial actions found in sacred texts. It suggests that if even the gods faced such allegations, human errors are inevitable.

This proverb emphasizes that experiential knowledge is superior to theoretical knowledge. Just as one must taste food to know its flavor or enter a body of water to gauge its depth, one cannot truly understand a situation, a task, or a person's character without direct involvement or personal experience.

This expression highlights things that are prestigious but involve immense responsibility and hard work. Just as managing a household as a daughter-in-law in a wealthy, large family is demanding, farming with oxen requires constant effort and manual labor despite being a sign of a well-established agricultural life.