తెచ్చుకుంటే భోంచేయి జగన్నాయకా, లేకుంటే ఊరకుండు జగన్నాయకా

This expression refers to situations or institutions that are destined for failure or decline. It suggests that a kingdom or an organization will perish if it is governed by too many leaders (causing chaos), an immature/inexperienced leader (lack of wisdom), or, in traditional contexts, where power is misplaced or lacks decisive leadership. It is used to describe mismanagement and lack of a single, strong, and capable direction.

This proverb describes an unstable or extreme financial situation. 'Ugadi' represents a feast and celebration (plenty), while 'Shivaratri' represents fasting and staying awake (poverty/hunger). It is used to describe someone who either lives in luxury when they have money or starves when they don't, lacking a middle ground or consistent lifestyle.

This proverb highlights the struggle of the working class and the necessity of labor for survival. 'The pot burns' refers to cooking food on a stove, while 'the stomach burns' refers to the pain of hunger. It is used to emphasize that one must work every day to avoid starvation.

This traditional proverb suggests that a kingdom, organization, or family will face downfall if it is led by too many people (causing chaos), an immature child (lacking wisdom), or a woman (reflecting historical patriarchal views on leadership). It is used to describe situations where leadership is fragmented or perceived as weak.

This proverb highlights the freedom and independence that comes with a minimalist or mendicant lifestyle. It suggests that if someone has no attachments, possessions, or ego (symbolized by the monk's begging bowl or 'jole'), they are free to roam anywhere in the world without fear, burden, or social constraints. It is often used to describe someone who leads a carefree life with minimal needs.

This proverb refers to a situation where a person only gets to eat if they put in the effort to procure food themselves. It is used to describe self-reliance or a context where there is no host or provider, implying that if you want something, you must arrange it yourself rather than expecting it to be served.

* La voluntad à todo. † Der Wille ist des Workes Seelc. § Goed verloren, niet verloren; moed verloren, veel verloren; eer verloren, meer verloren; ziel verloren, al verloren.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is only provided for or helped if they take the initiative themselves. It refers to a state of self-reliance or a lack of external support, suggesting that if you manage to get something, you can enjoy it; if not, you must remain hungry or quiet without complaining.

This proverb highlights the critical importance of rainfall for agriculture. It signifies that timely rains lead to prosperity and food security (crops), whereas a lack of rain leads to drought, starvation, and economic devastation (metaphorically referred to as fires/suffering).

This expression is used to describe a state of complete disorder, chaos, or a situation where things are messy and unregulated. It can also refer to a scenario where distinctions (like caste or status) are ignored, similar to the egalitarian traditions at the Puri Jagannath temple, but in common parlance, it most often describes a 'free-for-all' or a total mess.

This expression is used to remind someone that raw materials or basic ingredients are not the same as the final finished product. It highlights that potential or basic utility requires effort and processing to become something more valuable or enjoyable.