పులివాత పడ్డ మేక, అప్పారావుకిచ్చిన అప్పు తిరిగి రావు

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely lazy or lacks initiative. It refers to a person who, when given a large task (circling the village), performs the smallest, most effortless version of it (circling the grinding stone inside the house) and claims they are finished.

This expression highlights that everything essential for human survival—be it food (stomach) or fiber for clothing (clothes)—originates from the Earth. It is used to emphasize our dependence on nature and the importance of agriculture and the land.

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to solve an existing problem or acquire a new resource results in being confronted by previous unresolved obligations. It is used when someone's efforts to move forward are hindered by their past mistakes or debts suddenly demanding attention.

This proverb describes investments or expenses that yield no return. Just as whitewash stays on the wall and cannot be reclaimed, money spent on fleeting pleasures or unproductive people is lost forever. It is used to warn someone about wasting resources on things that provide no long-term value or recovery.

This proverb is used to warn against spending money on useless or unproductive pursuits where there is no chance of recovery. Just as lime becomes part of the wall and cannot be reclaimed, money spent on fleeting pleasures or with untrustworthy people is gone forever.

This proverb highlights the futility of certain actions. Just as castor seeds won't sprout or yield if sown on unplowed land, a loan given to a person who has no means or intention of repaying it (traditionally represented here by an 'Asadi' or wandering bard) is considered a total loss. It is used to warn someone against making investments or loans without proper foundation or security.

This expression is used to describe a person who does not understand instructions properly or takes an unnecessarily long and round-about way to do a simple task. It highlights inefficiency or foolishness in following directions.

This proverb is used to describe investments or ventures that require upfront borrowing or initial expenditure but eventually yield high enough profits to cover both the new and old debts. It highlights the value of productive assets.

This proverb describes the traditional rural economy of self-sufficiency. Selling a pig provides a large lump sum of money used to clear long-standing or significant debts, while selling chickens or eggs provides smaller, frequent income to handle daily expenses or immediate small loans.

This proverb suggests that success begins at home. If a person cannot manage their own domestic affairs or earn the respect of their family, they are unlikely to succeed in public life or handle community matters effectively.