పిన్నమ్మ పెట్టకపోయినా, పోయకపోయినా నామీద బలే ప్రాణం

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is unable or unwilling to help should at least guide the person in need to someone who can. It emphasizes that if you cannot be a benefactor, you should at least not be an obstacle and instead provide helpful information or direction.

This expression emphasizes the supreme value of dignity and self-respect over physical life. It is used to convey that for a person of principles, living with disgrace or humiliation is worse than death.

Take away my good name, and take away my life. Either live or die wi' honour.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social distrust towards certain professions. It suggests that individuals in roles requiring extreme cunningness or dealing with precious materials (like the village record-keeper and the goldsmith) are inherently deceptive. It implies their deceitful nature remains unchanged until the very end of their lives.

This expression emphasizes the extreme importance of integrity and keeping one's promises. In traditional contexts, it compares the loss of a person's reputation or honor (symbolized by broken promises) to the irreversible loss of virtue, suggesting that living without honor or credibility is a heavy burden.

This expression emphasizes that self-respect and dignity are more valuable than life itself. It is used to suggest that living a life of disgrace or shame is meaningless and that one should prioritize their reputation over survival.

This expression is used to describe a situation where certain natural or inevitable consequences occur regardless of the main person or event's presence. It often implies that while the primary expectation wasn't met, the associated habits, side effects, or unavoidable routines still manifest.

This expression is used to describe a person who prioritizes vanity, status, or external appearance over basic necessities and practical needs. It highlights a scenario where someone spends money on luxuries to look rich or sophisticated while struggling to afford essential items like food.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is determined to find fault or be aggressive regardless of the outcome or the effort put in. It is used to characterize people who are impossible to please or those who use any excuse—even contradictory ones—to harass or criticize others.

This proverb describes a situation where someone experiences a significant loss or misfortune, yet they continue to focus on trivial or unrelated matters, or offer unsolicited, minor advice in the face of a larger disaster. It is used to mock people who remain stubbornly focused on small details when everything is already ruined.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is habitually deceitful or manipulative. Historically, 'Karanams' were village officials known for clever record-keeping that often favored themselves. The saying suggests that some people are so inherently untrustworthy or cunning that you should remain cautious of them until your very last breath.