శల్య సారథ్యము

This expression is used to describe a person who examines something with extreme, often excessive, detail. It refers to a rigorous or pedantic scrutiny where one looks for even the smallest flaws or nuances, similar to the English idiom 'hair-splitting'.

Applied to a very minute enquiry.

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.

Just as a specific diet (pathyam) is essential for medicine to work effectively, truthfulness is the essential quality that gives value and weight to one's words. It emphasizes that without integrity, speech loses its purpose.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of discipline and integrity in one's life. It suggests that just as maintaining a strict diet is essential for physical health, adhering to the truth is essential for moral health. It is used to advise someone to remain committed to their principles and health habits regardless of temptations.

This expression is used to describe a person who provides demoralizing advice or works to discourage their own team from within. In the Mahabharata, Shalya served as Karna's charioteer but used the opportunity to constantly insult and demotivate him to aid the Pandavas. It represents psychological sabotage or negative guidance.

This expression refers to a short-lived marriage or a relationship that ends almost immediately after it begins. It is used to describe situations that are extremely temporary, unstable, or where a commitment is broken shortly after being made.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person expects another to bear the burden or follow the rules for a benefit they themselves seek. It highlights the absurdity of expecting results without personal effort or sacrifice, or shifting one's responsibilities onto others.

Just as a medicine is only effective when a strict diet (pathyam) is followed, speech only gains value and effectiveness when it is truthful. It emphasizes that integrity is as essential to character as discipline is to health.

This expression is used to describe a marriage or a commitment that ends almost as soon as it begins. It highlights a situation where something intended to be permanent is extremely short-lived, often due to lack of compatibility or sudden misfortune.

This expression is used to describe something that is only named after a quality it does not actually possess. In Telugu, 'Nethi Beerakaya' (Silk Gourd) has 'Neyi' (Ghee) in its name, but contains no actual ghee. It is applied to people or things that are deceptive in their titles, descriptions, or claims.

Nēti bīrakāya is the ghî cucumber. Grand in name but not worth anything. *Cleco è l'occhio, se l'animo è distrutto.