తక్కువవాడు పనికిముందు వంగి, పనికాగానే నిగుడుకుంటాడు

This proverb is used to say that superficial preparations or mere outward appearances do not equate to a successful outcome or the completion of a major task. Just as cleaning the house (a preliminary step) doesn't mean the festival has happened, starting a task or doing the bare minimum doesn't mean the goal is achieved.

This proverb highlights the eagerness or anxiety of certain individuals based on their situation. Just as a vegetable seller must arrive early to secure a good spot at the market to survive, someone who has been ostracized might arrive earliest to a public gathering or feast to ensure they are not ignored or to assert their presence before others arrive. It is used to describe people who show up excessively early or with a sense of urgency due to their specific needs or insecurities.

This proverb is used to criticize people who lack dignity or social grace, particularly those who exhibit greed or eagerness for material benefits (like food) despite not having earned a place of honor. It suggests that those who do not value their reputation are often the most impatient for rewards.

This proverb warns against excessive submissiveness or trying to be overly humble with someone who is already yielding. It implies that being too accommodating or sycophantic can lead to unnecessary trouble or physical/metaphorical injury. It is used to advise people to maintain their dignity and boundaries.

This expression is used to describe something that is mediocre, awkward, or in an indeterminate state. It refers to something that doesn't fit into a specific category or standard—being neither significant enough to be considered important (like a 'Taddinam') nor small enough to be ignored (like a 'Masikam'). It often describes a person's height, the scale of an event, or the quality of a piece of work that is neither here nor there.

This expression describes a lazy person who is always the first to show up when food or rewards are being distributed, but the last to volunteer or show up when there is actual work to be done. It is used to mock opportunistic laziness.

This expression is used to describe individuals who exhibit high energy, intensity, or even a temperamental attitude while a task is being initiated or executed, but immediately become calm, composed, or indifferent once the objective is achieved. It highlights a personality trait where the 'storm' is only for the sake of getting the work done.

This proverb is used to indicate that when something is sold at an unusually low price, it is often of poor quality or has many defects. It is a cautionary saying used to remind people that 'you get what you pay for' and that cheap goods often come with hidden costs or flaws.

This proverb is used to describe a person who does very little actual work but makes a huge fuss, creates unnecessary commotion, or tries too hard to appear busy. It characterizes someone who lacks efficiency but excels in pretending to be overwhelmed or ambitious.

This proverb is used to express that even if someone lacks financial resources or basic necessities like food, they still maintain their self-respect, dignity, or social standing. It highlights the idea that poverty does not equate to a loss of character or heritage.