తన చావు జలప్రళయం

This expression refers to a person or thing that is well-guarded, well-cared for, or treated with extreme caution and high regard. Historically, it stems from a story where a teacher's watermelon was protected so strictly that it became a symbol for something highly prioritized or carefully watched over.

This expression is used to signify that something is eternal, inevitable, or that a particular cycle or entity cannot be destroyed. It often implies that a fundamental reality or a recurring problem cannot be ended or killed off simply.

This expression is used to convey that once someone has reached the absolute bottom or has already faced the worst possible outcome, they no longer fear further risks or consequences. It signifies a state of fearlessness or resilience after an extreme loss or failure, implying that things cannot get any worse than they already are.

This proverb describes a highly self-centered or narcissistic individual who believes everything revolving around them is of cosmic importance. It is used to mock someone who thinks their successes are extraordinary and their failures are a catastrophe for the entire world.

This proverb is used to highlight the difference in the magnitude of loss. It suggests that while any loss is unfortunate, the loss of someone closer or more essential (like a mother) is far more devastating than the loss of someone relatively less central (like a stepmother or aunt). It is often used to prioritize or compare two negative outcomes, indicating that one is comparatively more bearable than the other.

This proverb emphasizes the immense loss a farmer feels when his working ox dies. In an agrarian society, the ox is the primary source of livelihood and a constant companion in labor; therefore, its loss is compared to the personal tragedy of losing one's spouse, as both signify the loss of a life partner and essential support system.

This proverb is used to mock people who pretend to be more educated or sophisticated after learning a little, but in reality, their knowledge is superficial or they have only learned to complicate simple things. It satirizes someone whose behavior or speech becomes unnecessarily complex or nonsensical after gaining education, rather than becoming wiser.

This expression is used to describe a death or an event that goes unnoticed and unmourned by anyone. It highlights the insignificance of an individual's passing, suggesting that just as no one cries for a common crow, no one cares about the departure of a person who had no social standing or meaningful connections.

This proverb is used to emphasize that practical, tangible solutions are often more effective than rituals or superstitions. In the context of cleaning or physical needs, the water used by a barber (for shaving or washing) has immediate utility, whereas ritualistic water (mantrajalamu) may only have symbolic value.

This expression is used to describe something that is only named after a quality it does not actually possess. In Telugu, 'Nethi Beerakaya' (Silk Gourd) has 'Neyi' (Ghee) in its name, but contains no actual ghee. It is applied to people or things that are deceptive in their titles, descriptions, or claims.

Nēti bīrakāya is the ghî cucumber. Grand in name but not worth anything. *Cleco è l'occhio, se l'animo è distrutto.