పుష్యమిలో పూచిక పుల్ల కూడా తడవదు

This is an agricultural proverb related to the rain stars (Karthalu). It suggests that the rainfall during the Punarvasu and Pushyami periods is often very light or scanty, barely enough to dampen the ground, let alone support significant water accumulation.

This proverb is used to describe a person who overreacts excessively to a small suggestion or a minor reprimand. It highlights the absurdity of taking extreme, self-destructive measures when asked to do something simple or trivial.

This proverb is used to criticize people who indulge in unnecessary competition or unhealthy comparisons. It describes a situation where one person tries to imitate or outdo another's lifestyle or circumstances beyond their own capacity, often leading to their own downfall or misery.

This proverb is used to describe someone who gives bad, sarcastic, or destructive advice under the guise of an auspicious or positive occasion. Uttarayanam is considered a highly sacred period in the Hindu calendar where dying is believed to lead to salvation; however, advising someone to commit suicide just because the timing is 'good' is absurd and malicious.

This expression describes someone who is indispensable, highly influential, or deeply integrated into a group. Just as a tongue is essential for speech and a thread holds beads together, it refers to a person who acts as a central, reliable figure or a mediator who maintains unity and functions smoothly within a family or organization.

This proverb describes a situation where a person has grand aspirations or fantasies but lives in poverty or hardship. It is used to highlight the stark contrast between one's desires/dreams and their actual meager circumstances.

This proverb suggests that certain things require constant attention or 'lubrication' to function or stay fresh. Just as betel leaves dry up and spoil without water, a 'Navayatee' (referring historically to a specific community or high-maintenance guest) requires constant hospitality, feeding, or bribery to stay satisfied. It is used to describe high-maintenance people or situations that demand continuous upkeep.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where subordinates or children behave uncontrollably or misbehave in the absence of an authority figure or supervisor. It is equivalent to the English expression 'When the cat is away, the mice will play.'

This expression describes something that was extremely short-lived or a situation where a person enjoyed a very brief period of success or life. It refers to the consecutive lunar mansions (Nakshatras) in the Hindu calendar; since Pubba follows Makha immediately, it signifies a very small window of time between the beginning and the end.

This expression is used to describe an extreme lack of resources or severe scarcity. It metaphorically suggests that during a drought or famine (kshamaam), there is so little moisture or 'rain' that even a tiny bird made of straw or a small sparrow wouldn't find enough water to even get wet. It is used to highlight situations of absolute poverty or complete absence of expected benefits.