శంఖంలో పోస్తే తీర్థం, పెంకులో పోస్తే నీళ్లు

This expression refers to a person who has to handle multiple responsibilities or perform all the tasks in a specific process by themselves. It is used to describe a situation where there is no one else to assist, and a single individual must manage both the main action and the supporting duties.

This proverb is used to imply that small or insignificant actions cannot cause major damage, or that mild threats/anger cannot destroy strong foundations. It suggests that just because water is hot, it doesn't possess the destructive power of fire.

Applied to lenient or ineffective measures.

This proverb emphasizes that the value or respect given to something (or someone) often depends on the vessel, context, or association it holds. It is used to describe how a person's status or a thing's importance changes based on the environment or the company they keep.

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This proverb describes a situation where someone who lacks basic skills or resources tries to perform much more complex tasks than those who are actually competent. It is used to mock people who boast or attempt grand things beyond their actual capacity, often failing to do even the simplest tasks properly.

This proverb signifies that certain actions or words gain value, legitimacy, or recognition only when they come from an authoritative source or a person of high stature. It is often used to describe situations where a valid point is ignored until an important person validates it.

This expression highlights how the value or respect given to something (or someone) often depends on the vessel or context it is associated with. It is used to describe how the status of an individual is elevated by their association with noble people or institutions, or how the same advice carries different weight depending on who delivers it.

This proverb highlights the abundance of nature and the rewards of hard work in farming. A 'mana' and 'idumu' are traditional measures of volume, with an idumu being significantly larger. It means that if a farmer sows even a small measure of seeds into the earth, nature returns a much larger harvest into their home. It is used to encourage investment and labor.

This expression is used to describe a situation where people or objects are constantly moving and never settling down in one place. Just as spindles (kadullu) are pointed and thin, they keep shifting and rolling when placed in a container, making it impossible to keep them steady or organized. It is often used to refer to hyperactive children or a restless group of people.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is given a great opportunity, luxury, or reform, but they return to their old, crude, or bad habits. It highlights that inherent nature (Pravrutti) is difficult to change regardless of the honors bestowed upon them.

This expression is used to signify that certain actions or words gain value, legitimacy, or official status only when they come from an authoritative source or a person of high stature. Just as ordinary water is considered 'Teertham' (sacred) only after being sanctified through a conch, an idea or task is often only respected when endorsed by the right person.