తాడెక్కేవాణ్ని ఎందాకా ఎగసన తోయను?

This proverb suggests that you can only help or encourage someone who is already making an effort to help themselves. It is used to emphasize that external support has limits and the primary initiative must come from the individual. Just as you can only give a small push to someone starting to climb, you cannot do the entire task for them if they aren't trying.

This expression is used to describe someone who grows older in age but does not gain the maturity or wisdom expected for their years. It is typically used to criticize a person acting childishly or foolishly despite being an adult.

This proverb is used to describe someone who tries to imitate others' actions without understanding the purpose or importance of the task, often doing something irrelevant or foolish just to fit in. It highlights the difference between productive work and mindless imitation.

This proverb is used to describe a wasted life or a long period of time spent in procrastination and excuses. It humorously illustrates how an entire century (100 years) can pass by blaming others or circumstances—60 years blaming the wife, 30 years blaming the husband, and 10 years in childhood—without ever achieving anything meaningful.

This proverb is used to highlight the absurdity of preparing for an outcome that is impossible or irrelevant due to the absence of the primary cause. Just as a woman without a husband cannot become pregnant and thus doesn't need a midwife, one shouldn't waste resources or worry about processes for a situation that hasn't even begun or cannot occur.

This expression describes a person who is extremely lazy or refuses to do any part of a task, whether it is the primary labor or the supporting work. It is used to mock someone who avoids responsibility and expects others to do everything while they remain idle.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being encouraged or provoked to do something risky or foolish. It suggests that there is a limit to how much you can urge someone on, or that the person is already acting on their own impulse and your additional 'help' might lead to their downfall.

This proverb is used to warn against arrogance or overconfidence in one's skills. It means that no matter how talented or powerful a person is, there will always be someone even more capable or superior to them. It is equivalent to the English saying 'There is always a bigger fish.'

This expression refers to adding an unnecessary burden or a dangerous hindrance to someone who is already performing a difficult and strenuous task. It describes a situation where instead of helping someone in a struggle, a person adds more risk or trouble to their journey.

* El secreto de Anchuelos. ( See Kelly's "Proverbs of all Nations" p. 178. )

This proverb is used to explain that you can only help or encourage someone who is already making an effort to succeed. It implies that external assistance has limits and is most effective when the recipient is proactive and self-motivated.

* Domandar chi naque prima, l' uovo o la gallina.