పిట్టకు పెట్టేదెంత?

This expression is used to signify that all the hard work, toil, and various struggles a person undergoes in life are ultimately for basic sustenance and survival. It is often used to express a sense of humility or philosophical resignation regarding the grind of daily life.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of thorough soil preparation in agriculture. It suggests that if the land is tilled and refined properly (ground to fine dust), even a small amount of manure or fertilizer can result in a massive harvest. It is used to teach that hard work and proper foundation lead to high efficiency and success.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely greedy or never satisfied. It refers to someone who eats a full, hearty meal yet still demands special delicacies like 'atlu' (pancakes) under the pretext of a holiday or tradition. It highlights insatiable hunger or unreasonable demands for more even after being well-provided for.

Sunday is a fast day among some sects. Great greediness.

This proverb describes a situation where a third party takes advantage of a conflict between two people. Instead of resolving the issue fairly, the mediator benefits themselves at the expense of both disputing parties, much like a cat eating the birds it was supposed to mediate for.

This proverb is used to describe people or situations that have inherent limitations regardless of progress, time, or growth. It suggests that some things have a natural, fixed limit that cannot be exceeded, or it can be used to mock someone who, despite their achievements or status, remains small-minded or limited in their capacity.

This proverb is used to describe someone who, despite achieving growth, success, or status, cannot escape their inherent limitations or humble origins. It suggests that certain fundamental traits or deficiencies remain unchanged regardless of external progress.

This expression is used to describe an absurd or mismatched combination where something very beautiful, expensive, or high-quality is wasted on or attached to something lowly, ugly, or insignificant. It highlights the incongruity and pointlessness of such an arrangement.

The grand appearance of a worthless person. A leaden sword in an ivory scabbard.

This expression means that it is much easier to teach, influence, or mold something young, fresh, or new than something that is old and set in its ways. It is often used to describe how children learn faster than adults or how a new mind is more receptive to new ideas than an experienced one with preconceived notions.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person of very low status, importance, or capability puts on airs or suffers from problems usually associated with those of higher status. It highlights the irony of someone insignificant having an exaggerated or unlikely issue.

The Hindus' cure for the staggers is branding the flanks and legs with a ploughshare. Applied to measures quite out of proportion to the necessities of the case.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the secondary or auxiliary parts of something are much larger or more complex than the main object itself. It is often applied to people who exaggerate their status, or when the maintenance/cost of an item exceeds its actual value.