తాకి నేలకు తడిబట్టుకానీడు, వంగి నేలకు ఇంగువ కానీడు.

This expression is used to describe a person or a family that has lost their past wealth or glory but still retains the aura or reputation of it. Just as a cloth used to wrap pungent asafoetida smells of it long after the spice is gone, the person carries the prestige of their former status.

Said of a man who is respected on account of his connection with the family of some famous person, no longer living ; or on account of his own greatness, now passed away.

This proverb describes a situation where one person goes through a significant event or hardship, and another person undergoes a related, often unnecessary or symptomatic treatment/reaction. In old traditions, asafetida was given to women after childbirth for health; here, the husband (Singadu) consumes it instead. It is used to mock people who act as if they are affected by something that happened to someone else, or when someone seeks attention/remedy for a situation that doesn't directly involve them.

This expression refers to a state of extreme indecision or hesitation in trade and life. It describes someone who is too stingy to buy when prices are low (thinking they might drop further) and too greedy to sell when prices are high (hoping for even more profit), ultimately leading to missed opportunities.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely lazy or useless. It implies that the person does no productive work, making the food they consume a waste and their presence on earth a literal weight without any contribution.

He is not worth his salt.

This proverb is used to describe people who boast about their past glory or family legacy despite currently living in poverty or having lost all their wealth. Just as a container that once held asafoetida (hing) retains a faint smell even when empty, these people hold onto their status through words alone.

This expression describes someone who is extremely shy, hesitant, or feeling guilty. It refers to the physical habit of dragging or twisting one's toes on the ground when they are too embarrassed to speak or face someone directly.

This proverb suggests that when a great or powerful person humbles themselves or bows down, it is usually for a significant purpose or to achieve a greater goal, rather than a sign of weakness. It is used to explain that strategic humility can lead to beneficial results.

This expression is used to describe a situation of total loss or a deceptive deal where one ends up losing everything. It highlights a progression from losing the profit (interest) to eventually losing the entire capital (principal). It is often used to mock poor business decisions or to warn against untrustworthy people who fail to honor any part of an agreement.

This expression is used to describe a total loss or a situation where a deal results in losing both the profit and the initial capital. It signifies a complete failure of an investment or a scheme where nothing is recovered.

This proverb highlights the importance of choosing the right resources or people for a specific task based on their nature and suitability. Just as sesame thrives in black soil and pigeon peas (red gram) grow best in red soil, success depends on aligning strategies with the environment or context.