తలకు మించిన ఆజ్ఞ లేదు

This reiterates the potency of God and His will. But all the same, one should perform one’s duty (karma) and leave the result to God.

This proverb is used to describe things that are disproportionate, excessive, or ill-fitting for their context. Just as a tooth protruding beyond the lip looks awkward and a wick too large for a small lamp causes it to burn out too quickly or smoke excessively, this expression critiques situations where something is 'too much' or 'out of scale' for its container or purpose.

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme or absolute poverty where one possesses nothing but the barest minimum of clothing (a loincloth). It highlights the lowest point of financial or material destitution.

This proverb highlights the boundless nature of human desire (greed) and the rapid, compounding nature of financial interest. It is used to caution people about how greed can lead one on an endless chase and how debts can quickly spiral out of control if not managed early.

This proverb is used to describe the absolute extremes of a situation. It suggests that once a person has faced the ultimate penalty or the lowest form of deprivation, there is nothing more to fear or lose. It signifies reaching the limit of hardship or consequences.

This proverb highlights a state of extreme resilience or finality. It suggests that once a person has hit rock bottom (owning only a loincloth), they no longer fear poverty. Similarly, for someone who knows how to swim, no water is too deep. It is used to describe a person who has seen the worst or gained ultimate mastery, making them fearless in the face of challenges.

This expression is used to describe a state of absolute extremity or the ultimate limit of a situation. It suggests that once someone has reached the absolute lowest point of poverty or the highest form of punishment, they have nothing left to fear or lose. It is often used to convey resilience or indifference in the face of further threats when one is already in a dire state.

This proverb conveys two main points: first, that no problem is too deep if you have the skill (swimming) to handle it; second, it describes a state of ultimate poverty or simplification where one has nothing left to lose, often implying that once you reach rock bottom, you are free from further fear or loss.

Reduced to the last extremity.

This proverb suggests that once you know how to swim, no depth of water is too deep or intimidating. Metaphorically, it implies that when one possesses the necessary skill, confidence, or experience to handle a situation, the magnitude of the problem no longer matters.

Over shoes, over boots. It is all the same whether a man has both legs in the stocks or one. (German.)* * Mit belden Bienen im Stock, oder mit Einem, ist gleichviel.

This expression suggests that destiny or fate (what is written on one's forehead) is the ultimate reality and depth of life. It implies that no matter how much one tries to analyze or change things, one cannot go beyond what is destined.