సాగితే బొంకు, సాగకపోతే రంకు.

This proverb suggests that people often use pretenses to protect their interests. A wealthy person might fake a cough or illness to avoid fulfilling a social obligation or giving money, just as a fake ascetic might wear saffron robes (kaashaayam) to deceive others. It is used to describe deceptive behavior used to hide the truth or avoid responsibility.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone achieves their goal or gets what they want through shortcuts or informal hints, rendering official or traditional procedures (like a formal wedding) unnecessary. It reflects the idea that if the desired result is obtained easily, the formal effort or expense is often bypassed.

This proverb describes a high-risk, high-reward situation. It is traditionally used to describe certain professions or ventures that offer great authority and wealth if successful, but lead to absolute ruin or starvation if they fail. It highlights the instability and precarious nature of ambitious pursuits.

This proverb describes a difficult or 'no-win' situation, often referring to people who get annoyed when reminded of their duties but completely forget or neglect them if left alone. It highlights the frustration of dealing with someone who is both irritable and irresponsible.

This is a paradoxical or cynical saying used to highlight how critics or those with a narrow perspective can misinterpret the core themes of the great epics. It refers to how someone who doesn't understand the spiritual context might only see the abduction of Sita (Ramayana), the harsh violence/politics (Mahabharata), or the supernatural miracles (Bhagavatam) as negative traits.

This proverb describes people who change their identity, status, or affiliations based on their success or convenience. It highlights opportunism, where individuals associate themselves with a more prestigious group (Pakanati) when they are doing well, but revert to their original or humbler roots (Motati) when things are not going their way. It is used to critique social climbing or inconsistent behavior.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is overly greedy or selfishly waiting for someone's death just to inherit even the smallest, most insignificant belongings. It highlights an insensitive attitude where one cares more about material gain than the loss of a loved one.

This proverb is used to sarcastically remark that if one can get everything they want through shortcuts or unauthorized means, they will feel no need to follow traditional rules or responsibilities. It highlights the tendency of people to avoid formal commitments when they can reap benefits without them.

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 or a machine that is unreliable or inconsistent. It refers to something that works perfectly when it wants to but becomes completely uncooperative or stationary when it faces a hurdle. It is often applied to old vehicles, unpredictable people, or projects that lack a steady momentum.