తాగను గంజి లేదు కానీ, తలకి అటికలట

This proverb describes a situation where a person lacks the basic necessities for survival (like drinking water) but spends resources or attention on superficial or unnecessary luxuries (like using gruel as a hair conditioner). It is used to mock misplaced priorities or someone who puts on appearances despite being in extreme poverty.

Aṭakali is an expensive preparation used for cleansing the head.

This proverb describes a situation where a person lacks basic necessities for survival (like drinking water) but indulges in superficial or luxurious displays (like styling hair with starch). It is used to mock someone who maintains an outward show of status while suffering in poverty or lacking essentials.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person who is already in a precarious or poor state loses the very little they have left. It signifies a stroke of bad luck that worsens an already desperate situation, or a loss that is particularly painful because it was all that remained.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities or a proper foundation (the head) but indulges in unnecessary luxuries or shows off with trivial things (the genitals). It mocks someone whose priorities are misplaced or who tries to maintain a facade of comfort despite being in a dire situation.

This proverb highlights the importance of being near essential resources (like water) for survival while maintaining a healthy distance from relatives to avoid unnecessary conflicts, gossip, or dependence that can arise from over-familiarity.

This proverb is used to criticize hypocrites who give lectures on morals, values, and traditions while failing to fulfill their most basic responsibilities at home. It highlights the irony of people who cannot take care of their own family but try to act as moral guides or mediators for others.

This expression is used to describe a situation or an object that is completely devoid of value, substance, or truth. Since 'ganji' (gruel/congee) is essentially the water strained from rice, trying to 'strain' it further is a futile task that yields nothing. It highlights an exercise in futility or something that is worthless.

This is a historical observation or proverb reflecting an era where 'Devadasis' (temple dancers/courtesans) played a central role in religious and cultural life. It suggests that without their presence, art, and performance, the spiritual and social atmosphere of the community lacks vibrancy and joy. In a broader sense, it highlights that aesthetic beauty and entertainment are essential for societal satisfaction.

This expression describes a situation where someone acts as if they are doing a great favor or showing generosity, when in reality, they are only giving the other person what already belongs to them or what they have earned through their own hard work. It highlights arrogance and false charity.

This expression is used to describe someone who boasts about achieving grand, impossible feats while they are incapable of performing even the simplest, basic tasks. It mocks overambition and empty bragging by highlighting the gap between a person's actual ability and their claims.

Vain boasting.