సరాలకు ముత్యాలు గీతాలకు సరాలు

This expression is used sarcastically to question someone who is being unusually silent or refusing to speak. It implies that the person is acting as if speaking would cause them to lose something incredibly valuable, like pearls.

This proverb highlights the irony of social status versus necessity, or situations where resources are allocated based on tradition rather than practical need. It refers to a scenario where those who work hard and need rest (like laborers) are given comfort, while those of high spiritual status are given simple traditional seating, often used to describe misplaced priorities or unexpected role reversals.

This proverb describes a situation where someone gives away something extremely valuable (pearls) in exchange for something trivial or of very little value (jujube fruits). It is used to point out a foolish trade, a lack of judgment, or wasting precious resources/talents on insignificant goals.

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks basic necessities or is in poverty, yet indulges in extravagant or unnecessary expenses to maintain a false status or vanity. It highlights the irony of poor financial priorities.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is given something they do not deserve, cannot appreciate, or which does not suit their character or status. It highlights the incongruity of giving something precious or refined to someone who lacks the refinement to handle it.

This proverb describes someone who is very vocal, boastful, or makes grand promises (Malli) but is completely absent or disappears when it comes time to actually do the work (Elli). It is used to criticize people who talk a lot but never follow through with action.

This expression is often used colloquially to suggest that alcohol is a universal remedy or a way to forget all troubles and ailments. While it can be used humorously among friends to justify drinking, it also carries a cynical or sarcastic tone regarding those who rely on alcohol as a panacea for their problems.

This proverb is used to suggest that a person does not deserve or cannot appreciate a luxury or high-value item because it does not suit their status, nature, or lifestyle. It is often used to criticize someone who possesses something far beyond their needs or capabilities.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the bad deeds or mistakes someone has committed are roughly offset or balanced out by their attempts at atonement or good deeds. It is often used sarcastically to imply that someone's superficial rituals or minor good acts are just barely covering up their significant wrongdoings, or that the accounts of good and bad have been settled.

This expression is used to remind someone that results require hard work and practical effort rather than just empty talk or miracles. It is a sarcastic rhetorical question aimed at those who expect success without doing the necessary work.

Said of excessive leniency or ineffective measures.