సత్రం భోజనం - మఠం నిద్ర

This expression highlights the fragility and impermanence of worldly life and family bonds. Just as a stack of clay pots can shatter completely with a single fall, human life and attachments are temporary and can break or end at any moment.

This proverb is used to describe a business or activity that yields very little profit, barely covering the basic sustenance or operational costs of the person doing it. It signifies a hand-to-mouth existence where there is no surplus or savings despite the effort put in.

This proverb is used to describe a situation that is chaotic, unorganized, or characterized by excessive haste and lack of discipline. It refers to an event where, due to mismanagement or overwhelming crowds, the food is consumed greedily or served in a disorderly fashion, much like a feast of demons.

A giant had to be supplied with a man daily by the villagers in turn. ( See Vikramârka Tales in Telugu Selections Page 41. ) A happy event and a great misfortune coming together.

Refers to a very deep, long, or uninterrupted sleep. In the Ramayana, Urmila (Lakshmana's wife) is said to have slept for fourteen years, taking over her husband's share of sleep so he could remain awake to serve Rama. It is used to describe someone who sleeps for a very long duration or is very difficult to wake up.

For a petty businessman, the profit from his business would hardly meet his basic needs. This refers to an unprofitable enterprise.

This proverb is used to describe a business or activity that yields very little profit, barely covering one's basic needs or daily expenses. It suggests that despite the hard work involved, the returns are only sufficient for survival and not for saving or growth.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is willing to share in the fun, entertainment, or credit (the play and song), but expects others to bear the actual burden, cost, or responsibility (the meal). It refers to opportunistic behavior where someone avoids work or expense while participating in the enjoyment.

This expression is used to describe someone who constantly complains about their health, problems, or poverty (the 'groans') while continuing to enjoy their comforts or luxuries (the 'meals') without any real change. It highlights hypocrisy or exaggeration in one's suffering.

This proverb highlights the traditional social dynamics where a son-in-law is treated with great hospitality and formality, making dining together a celebratory or respectful event. In contrast, a father is expected to be deeply involved in his son's education and discipline. It implies that certain relationships are best suited for specific activities based on the roles and expectations within a family.

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme poverty or scarcity. It refers to a situation where despite the day having three natural meal times (morning, afternoon, and night), a person can only afford or find enough food to eat once.