శుష్కప్రియములు, శూన్యహస్తములు.

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 highlights that the hospitality and love with which food is served are more important than the food itself. Food served by someone who does not like you or without genuine warmth is compared to 'Pindam' (food offered to the deceased), implying it is soul-less or insulting to consume.

This expression is often used to convey that worldly life or human behavior is superficial and deceptive. It implies that people's actions are often just 'acts' (dramas) and that youth or external beauty is fleeting and pretentious rather than reflecting a deeper truth.

This expression suggests that both extreme poverty and excessive wealth can be seen as distractions or 'impurities' that cloud a person's true nature or spiritual path. It implies that the distinctions people make based on economic status are superficial and that true peace lies beyond these material dualities. It is often used in philosophical or spiritual contexts to emphasize equanimity.

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 proverb is used to indicate that the law or justice system has limits. It suggests that a person can only be punished to a certain extent for their crimes, or that one cannot be punished multiple times for the same series of mistakes beyond what is prescribed. It is often used in a legal context or when discussing fairness in retribution.

This expression describes a situation where someone offers a lot of sweet talk, empty promises, or fake affection but provides absolutely no practical help or tangible results. It is used to criticize people who are verbose in their kindness but stingy or useless when it comes to actual support or action.

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 mock someone who makes grand claims about their wealth or status but only offers very humble or leftover items. It highlights the disparity between high-sounding names and the poor quality of the actual items provided.

This proverb is used to convey that truth or natural laws do not change just because the records or tools used to measure them are lost or destroyed. It implies that fundamental realities remain constant regardless of human documentation or external circumstances.