పులికి పారణం పశువుకు మారణం

This expression highlights the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Just as a hardworking animal regains its strength through a small break, a person who works without pause finds immense value and renewed energy in a moment of relief. It is used to suggest that taking a break is essential for long-term productivity.

This expression highlights that anger often leads people to commit wrongful or sinful acts that they might later regret. It is used as a piece of advice to encourage self-control and emotional regulation, suggesting that one should stay calm to avoid negative consequences.

Anger is a sworn enemy. Anger is the fever and frenzy of the soul.

This expression describes someone who claims to be an expert in everything but lacks true focus or mastery in a specific trade. It refers to a person who tries to perform multiple roles (like a village head or accountant—Karanum) such as supervising livestock, managing communications, and bookkeeping, often used to mock someone who meddles in every task without doing any properly.

This expression describes the unpredictable nature of life, especially regarding financial or food security. 'Dharana' refers to fasting or self-restraint (often due to lack), while 'Parana' refers to the meal that breaks a fast or a feast. It is used to describe someone whose circumstances fluctuate between periods of scarcity and abundance, or simply the ups and downs of life's fortunes.

A precarious subsistence. Change of fortune is the lot of life. To-day a king, to-morrow nothing. (French.)

This proverb is used to describe a person who is very active when it comes to consuming or taking benefits but remains silent or inactive when it is time to work, speak up, or contribute. It highlights a selfish or lazy nature where one is present only for the 'eating' part and absent for the 'effort' part.

This proverb emphasizes the social stigma and loss of self-respect associated with a man living off his wife's wealth or dowry (Aranam). It suggests that for a man with dignity, death is preferable to the humiliation of being dependent on his in-laws' property or a dowry-based lifestyle.

This phrase refers to someone who creates a lot of noise or makes loud announcements but possesses no real power or authority. It is used to describe a person who is all talk and no action, or someone who holds a superficial position without the actual ability to influence outcomes.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who is incompetent at their designated professional task but very efficient at consuming resources or taking benefits. It highlights the irony of a person who holds a position (like a village clerk/Karanam) but excels only at eating (meta) rather than the actual work of writing (vrata).

This proverb highlights human hypocrisy and irony. It refers to people who offer great respect and rituals to idols (stone statues) while mistreating or neglecting the actual living beings or family members right in front of them. It is used to criticize those who value religious symbolism over practical compassion.

This expression highlights the universal power of music. It suggests that music is a divine and primal force that transcends language and intellect, capable of soothing or attracting even animals and newborn babies who do not understand lyrics or complex concepts.