పిల్లను చూచి చీర కొనాలి, బావిని చూచి చేద కొనాలి

This proverb emphasizes that heredity, upbringing, and proven quality are essential factors when making long-term commitments or choices. Just as a buffalo's value is determined by its milk yield, a person's character and traits are often influenced by their lineage and parental upbringing. It is commonly used as advice when considering marriage alliances.

This proverb advises that one can judge the character, health, and future potential of something by looking at its origins or physical indicators. Just as a mother's traits often reflect in her child, or a cow's teeth indicate its age and health, we should evaluate the background and fundamental health of an entity before making a commitment.

This proverb suggests that characteristics are often inherited or influenced by origins. Just as a buffalo's value is judged by its milk production, a daughter's character and qualities can often be understood by observing her mother. It is used as a piece of advice when considering marriage alliances or evaluating someone based on their upbringing and lineage.

This is a bold, satirical proverb used to describe a person who neglects their duties or legitimate relationships (like a husband) in favor of forbidden or exciting external attractions (like a lover). It is used to mock people who find no value in the things they already possess but are overjoyed by things that are fleeting or improper.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is asking the wrong people for information or help. It mocks the absurdity of asking a busy person in a crowded place (like a pilgrimage) or a distracted person (a flirt) for specific details they wouldn't know. It highlights a lack of common sense in seeking assistance.

This proverb suggests that one should evaluate the situation or the person before making a commitment or offering hospitality. It emphasizes the importance of verifying facts or seeing the actual person/object before proceeding with subsequent actions, often used in contexts of marriage or business deals.

This proverb emphasizes situational awareness and appropriateness. It suggests that one's actions, words, or efforts should be tailored to the specific circumstances or the tools at hand, similar to the English expression 'To suit the action to the word.'

This proverb suggests that the character and qualities of a person are often inherited or influenced by their upbringing and ancestry. It is commonly used in the context of marriage or forming long-term alliances, implying that observing the parents (background) provides a reliable preview of the individual's nature.

This proverb describes the reality of social bias or favoritism. It means that people are often treated based on their status, appearance, or perceived importance rather than equality. Rewards or hospitality are often adjusted according to the social standing of the recipient.

This traditional proverb suggests that certain tasks or resources are best managed by those who have a keen eye for them. A woman is believed to be very efficient at spotting and gathering small resources like fish from a pond, leaving nothing behind. Similarly, a man is believed to be thorough in harvesting or guarding a threshing floor. It is used to describe situations where a resource has been so thoroughly picked over or managed by an expert that nothing remains for others.