తలలో నాలుక, పూసలలో దారం వలె

This expression describes something that is pervasive and essential but remains hidden or invisible. It is often used to describe the underlying unity in diversity or a subtle, constant presence that holds everything together.

This expression describes a person who strategically chooses their position to avoid responsibility or danger. Among monitor lizards (which are slow/harmless), they act like a leader (the head), but among dangerous snakes, they act like the tail to stay inconspicuous and safe. It refers to someone who is opportunistic or cowardly, changing their status based on the company they are in.

This expression describes a situation where a single unpleasant element or unwanted person ruins an otherwise pure, good, or perfect situation. Just as a lizard falling into milk makes the entire container of milk unfit for consumption, this phrase is used when someone's presence or a specific event creates a sense of disgust or spoils the harmony of a gathering.

This proverb emphasizes the critical importance of timing and punctuality. It suggests that certain tasks must be performed during their designated time to be successful. Even if one is unable to do it physically, the intent and preparation should be there, highlighting that missing a seasonal opportunity leads to failure.

This proverb describes a situation where a person has grand aspirations or fantasies but lives in poverty or hardship. It is used to highlight the stark contrast between one's desires/dreams and their actual meager circumstances.

This expression is used to describe a person who is unreliable, inconsistent, or avoids responsibility at critical moments. It refers to someone who is missing when the food is served (on the leaf-plate) and also missing when the sacred rituals (offerings to ancestors) are performed, implying they are nowhere to be found when needed or that they belong nowhere.

This proverb describes a person who holds a lowly or insignificant position within an elite or superior group, yet is considered highly influential or superior among a lower or less-privileged group. It is used to mock someone's shifting social status or their tendency to act superior only when among their subordinates.

This ironic proverb describes a situation where instead of things getting better through a supposed benefit, they become significantly more burdensome. It is used when someone expects comfort or luck but receives a task or problem that is heavy and difficult to handle, much like a heavy grinding stone being strung amongst delicate beads.

This expression refers to something or someone that is omnipresent yet invisible or subtle. It describes a unifying force that holds everything together without drawing attention to itself, often used in spiritual contexts to describe the soul or God, or in social contexts to describe a person who quietly coordinates a group.

This expression describes a person who is a hypocrite or double-faced. It refers to someone who speaks very sweetly or piously (invoking the name of God) but harbors malicious intentions or is ready to backstab others in reality.