తాగటానికి దప్పిక లేదుగాని, గుంటడికి గుండుజోడు

This proverb describes a situation where a person lacks the basic necessities for survival (like drinking water) but spends resources or attention on superficial or unnecessary luxuries (like using gruel as a hair conditioner). It is used to mock misplaced priorities or someone who puts on appearances despite being in extreme poverty.

Aṭakali is an expensive preparation used for cleansing the head.

This proverb describes a situation where a person lacks basic necessities for survival (like drinking water) but indulges in superficial or luxurious displays (like styling hair with starch). It is used to mock someone who maintains an outward show of status while suffering in poverty or lacking essentials.

This proverb highlights the endless nature of labor for certain professions. Just as a weaver's work is never done because people always need clothes, a manual laborer or servant is always in demand and must keep working to survive. It implies that their toil is perpetual and they are constantly kept busy by the needs of society.

This proverb describes a situation where a person lacks the basic resources for their own survival but attempts to perform expensive or grand tasks to impress others or fulfill social obligations. It is used to mock someone who ignores their primary responsibilities while pretending to be charitable or traditional.

This proverb highlights two contrasting concepts: that giving to a good cause is never a loss or waste of resources, whereas forced labor (vetti) provides no financial reward or compensation to the worker. It is used to encourage voluntary service or charity while acknowledging the exploitative nature of unpaid toil.

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks basic necessities or is in poverty, yet indulges in extravagant or unnecessary expenses to maintain a false status or vanity. It highlights the irony of poor financial priorities.

This proverb means that some things are permanent and cannot be changed. Just as medical treatment cannot restore sight to a blind eye, no amount of advice or medicine can change a person's inherent nature or character flaws. It is used when someone refuses to change their bad habits despite many warnings.

This expression describes a situation where one is trying to perform a task in extremely unfavorable or difficult conditions. Just as a harrow (a farming tool) cannot move smoothly or effectively in a stony field, it signifies effort that is constantly interrupted, noisy, or yielding poor results due to the environment or circumstances.

This expression means that lust is blind and disregards social norms, logic, or consequences. The second part suggests that just as cattle feed (slop/waste water) lacks specific refinement or inherent virtue, raw desire lacks character or restraint. It is used to describe someone blinded by infatuation or acting without a sense of shame or propriety.

This proverb advises that financial matters and wealth should be kept private or hidden to avoid envy or theft, whereas agricultural activities and farming techniques should be shared openly and discussed with others to gain knowledge, help, and ensure a better yield.