తప్పు తిని కులం మరిచినట్టు

This proverb describes a person who completely ignores the original purpose of a task or instruction and instead focuses on their own comfort or personal interests. It is used to mock someone's irresponsibility or lack of focus when they are sent on an errand but get distracted by something trivial or beneficial to themselves.

This expression is used to describe a person who, due to arrogance, success, or intoxication (literal or metaphorical), forgets their roots, upbringing, or social boundaries. It refers to someone acting recklessly and losing their sense of identity or responsibility.

This proverb is used to describe an ungrateful person who accepts help or hospitality from someone and then insults or criticizes them based on their background or social status. It highlights hypocrisy and lack of gratitude.

This expression emphasizes the importance of education and social unity within a community. It suggests that for a community to progress, people must remain united (community bond) and focus on education and literacy (holding the pen) as tools for empowerment.

This proverb describes a situation where someone becomes so accustomed to a life of luxury or ease that they forget their original duties, core responsibilities, or the hard work that defined them. It is used to criticize people who neglect their roots or professions after attaining comfort.

This expression refers to internal conflicts or domestic feuds that lead to the complete destruction of one's own family or group. It originates from the Mahabharata, where a structural iron bolt (musalam) led to the infighting and eventual demise of the Yadava dynasty. It is used to describe a situation where a small internal issue escalates and ruins everyone involved from within.

This expression describes a situation where someone gets so distracted by trivial or minor tasks that they forget the most important objective or the main purpose of an event. It is used to critique poor prioritization or being easily sidetracked by insignificant details.

This proverb describes people who forget their roots, identity, or those who helped them once they achieve financial stability or prosperity. It is used to criticize ungratefulness and the tendency to distance oneself from one's origins after attaining wealth.

This proverb highlights the folly of prioritizing caste-based pride or prejudices over one's own survival and basic needs. It warns that while a person might sacrifice their livelihood (koodu) to uphold caste rigidity, the caste community as an entity will not provide for them when they are hungry. It is used to advise people to prioritize practical necessities and humanity over social divisions.

This proverb describes a situation where harm or trouble comes from a source that is expected to be harmless, sacred, or benevolent. It is used when someone you trust implicitly, or a place/person associated with goodness, unexpectedly causes you grief or injury.