శుష్కప్రియాలు, శూన్యహస్తాలు.

Refers to a situation or a grasp from which escape is impossible. In the Ramayana, Kabandha was a demon with long arms that could reach out and trap anything; hence, the term is used to describe a death-grip, a stranglehold, or being trapped in a complex, inescapable predicament.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers a lot of sweet talk, fake affection, or empty promises but provides no actual help or material support when needed. It characterizes people who are generous with words but stingy with actions.

Speaking kindly, but rendering no assistance. Deeds are love, and not fine phrases. (Spanish.)* Words are female, deeds are male. (Italian.)†

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes an obvious or redundant statement, or when a person boasts about something common as if it were special. It is often used to mock someone who tries to sound wise by stating the obvious or using wordplay that leads back to the same point.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone experiences a loss or a failed expectation but tries to hide their disappointment or pride by making excuses or belittling the value of what they lost. It highlights the tendency to rationalize a failure by claiming that what was obtained is sufficient or that what was lost wasn't worth having anyway.

This proverb is used to mock someone who possesses great theoretical knowledge or wisdom but lacks common sense or basic practical discipline. It highlights the irony of a learned person behaving in an uncivilized, improper, or uneducated manner despite their high status or education.

This expression is used to describe a person who is already difficult to work with or has a certain quirk, and then adds even more annoying habits or irrational behavior on top of it. It highlights a situation where someone's existing limitations are compounded by their own stubbornness or unreasonable nature.

This proverb describes the irony of human indecisiveness in the market. When prices are very low (cheap), people suspect the quality and hesitate to buy. Conversely, when prices are high (dear), people hesitate to sell because they hope for even higher prices or fear they won't be able to replace the item. It is used to describe a state of perpetual hesitation or missed opportunities.

This is an agricultural proverb (sameta) referring to the 'Hasta Karthe' (a specific solar mansion in the Hindu calendar). It suggests that crops sown during this specific time period often fail or yield poor results, meaning the investment never returns to the farmer's hand. It is used to highlight the importance of timing and seasonal wisdom.

This expression describes the inherent nature of certain things or people to be constantly active or moving. A Brahmin's hand is traditionally busy with rituals, counting beads, or receiving alms, while an elephant's trunk is always swaying or searching. It is used to remark on someone who is restlessly busy or a situation where constant activity is inevitable.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being dominated, harassed, or subjected to extreme pressure and suffering by someone close to them. It typically refers to a person (often a spouse) making life very difficult for the other by exerting control or creating constant trouble.