సభ మధ్య సాలె చాకలి, పండితుల మధ్య పగటివేషధారి

This expression refers to the act of discouraging or demoralizing someone while appearing to help them. It originates from the Mahabharata, where King Shalya acted as Karna's charioteer but constantly praised the enemy and undermined Karna's confidence with demotivating remarks. It is used to describe backhanded support or psychological sabotage.

This expression describes a deceptive bait-and-switch tactic. It is used when someone lures others with a high-quality sample or promise but delivers a cheap or fraudulent product or result. It refers to dishonesty in business or character.

This expression describes a situation where a person is surrounded by overwhelming difficulties, intense pressure, or severe tests from all directions. It is often used to convey a state of extreme distress or being trapped in a highly stressful environment.

This proverb highlights the vulnerability of the weak or poor when caught in the middle of a conflict or rivalry between powerful, arrogant people. Just as a fragile earthen pot would be easily shattered if caught between fighting giants, common people often suffer the most during the power struggles of the elite. It is used to describe situations where the innocent or underprivileged are collateral damage in larger disputes.

This proverb describes a hypocrite or a person who changes their behavior based on self-interest. It refers to someone who behaves like a common worker (uppara) when it comes to serving or eating food to get their fill, but puts on the facade of a learned scholar (pandita) when in a public assembly to gain respect.

This expression highlights how different tastes or preferences suit different characters. While demons (Asuras) indulge in alcohol for pleasure, gods (Suras) find bliss in the classical melody of Madhyamavati raga. It is used to describe how a refined person finds joy in art or spirituality, whereas a crude person finds it in base indulgences.

This expression refers to someone who stands out as superior, talented, or graceful while surrounded by ordinary or inferior people. It is used to describe a person of quality in an environment where others lack that same refinement or skill.

This expression describes a situation where a person is surrounded by severe difficulties or intense pressure from all directions. It is derived from the 'Panchagni Tapas', an ancient penance where a person sits amidst four fires with the sun as the fifth fire above. It is used to describe someone facing an extremely challenging or unbearable environment.

This proverb highlights that you should never expect an unbiased or favorable opinion from an enemy. Just as an enemy would predict the worst possible outcome when consulted, one should be cautious of the advice or motives of those who harbor ill will against them.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a common item or responsibility is neglected or lost because everyone assumes someone else is taking care of it. It highlights how shared responsibility among a small group often leads to inefficiency or things going missing.