పులగం మీద పప్పు

This expression describes something that is extremely unstable or short-lived. Just as a small, round green gram seed cannot stay still on a smooth, slippery surface like a mirror and slides off immediately, this phrase is used to refer to people who don't stick to their word, or situations that are highly precarious and transient.

This expression refers to a situation where one is in a dilemma or helpless state. Because a mouse is sitting on a sacred Shivalinga, one cannot hit the mouse for fear of desecrating the idol, nor can one leave it there. It describes a delicate predicament where taking action is as problematic as remaining inactive.

This expression is used to describe a person who lives beyond their means or spends borrowed money on luxuries and comforts instead of being frugal. It highlights the short-sightedness of enjoying life through debt.

This rhetorical question or proverb highlights the natural bias or difference in affection often found in families. It implies that a mother's innate love for her biological daughter is rarely matched by her feelings for her daughter-in-law. It is used to describe situations where there is perceived partiality or to acknowledge that certain bonds are naturally deeper than others.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one person passes a command or task to another, who then simply passes it to someone else without adding any value or doing any work themselves. It refers to a chain of command where responsibility is constantly shifted downward.

This expression is used to describe an extra benefit or a bonus added to something that is already good or sufficient. It is similar to the English idiom 'icing on the cake' or 'a cherry on top,' signifying an additional advantage that makes a situation even better.

This expression refers to something that is incomplete, ineffective, or lacks the essential component that gives it value. Just as 'Pulagam' is incomplete without dal and 'Dappalam' (stew) is tasteless without salt, it is used to describe a situation, a person's work, or an event that is pointless or lacks substance.

This expression is used to describe a person who has high desires or grand ambitions but lacks the basic resources or means to fulfill them. It highlights the gap between one's wants and their actual capabilities or reality.

This expression refers to someone who focuses on outward appearances, vanity, or superficial shows of status while lacking actual substance, property, or a solid foundation. It describes a person who prioritizes pride and showing off over practical stability.

This proverb describes a situation where an influential person or authority figure remains unaffected by the troubles or financial burdens that plague the community they oversee. It is used to highlight systemic corruption or the cleverness of bureaucrats who ensure their own safety and wealth while others suffer losses.