రామాయణము రంకు, భారతము బండు, భాగవతము బొంకు.

This expression is used to describe an activity, project, or performance that is so poorly executed or ineffective that it doesn't even justify the basic cost of the resources consumed (like the oil used in lamps for light during an old-time play). It signifies a complete waste of time, effort, and resources.

This expression is used to describe an excessively long, tedious, and never-ending explanation or story. It refers to someone who stretches a simple point into a confusing and unnecessarily detailed narrative, much like calling a small winnowing basket (cheta) or a small fence (kampa) as grand epics like Mahabharata or Ramayana.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person tries to cover up a mistake or a wrongdoing with a lie. If the lie is believed, they get away with it (it remains just a 'lie'); if the lie fails and they are caught, the act is exposed as something much more scandalous or serious. It highlights how people manipulate truths to suit their convenience until they are caught.

This expression describes a hypocritical person who acts virtuous, kind, and saintly in public or with strangers, but is cruel, abusive, or ill-tempered with their own family members behind closed doors. It is used to expose someone's double standards or fake personality.

This expression is used to convey resilience and courage. It suggests that as long as a person is alive, they have the strength to face any challenge or overcome any adversity. It is often used to motivate someone to stay brave during difficult times.

This expression is used to describe a story, explanation, or document that is unnecessarily long, tedious, or excessively detailed. It compares a small or simple matter to the epic Mahabharata, implying that someone is stretching a simple point into a never-ending saga.

This expression is used when someone has to spend their own hard-earned money or bear a significant personal expense for something, often unexpectedly or as a penalty. It signifies a personal financial loss or 'burning a hole in one's pocket.'

This proverb suggests that being overly soft or lenient can lead to losses or being taken advantage of, whereas maintaining a sense of fear, discipline, or strictness leads to prosperity and success. It is often used in the context of administration, parenting, or leadership.

This provocative proverb is used to criticize or point out that even the greatest epics contain flaws and moral complexities. In a broader sense, it is used to argue that no one or nothing is perfect, or to justify small mistakes by comparing them to the controversial actions found in sacred texts. It suggests that if even the gods faced such allegations, human errors are inevitable.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one has to spend their own money or incur a personal loss even for something that should have been free, a service, or a public benefit. It signifies paying out of one's pocket for an experience or task that ends up being a burden rather than a reward.