ఉంటే లిక్కి, పోతే కొడవలి.

This proverb describes something that is only valuable or functional as long as it is maintained or occupied. It is often used to refer to old houses, ancestral properties, or even human relationships, suggesting that once care or occupancy ceases, they quickly fall into decay and become worthless.

This proverb highlights the infinite nature of human desires and needs. Just as there is always something missing on a dinner plate (leaf) and family problems are never-ending, no external person can ever truly resolve or fulfill every deficiency in one's personal or domestic life. It suggests that contentment must come from within as external needs are perpetual.

This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and self-reliance. It means that as long as a person is willing to put in physical effort and work hard, they will never have to worry about basic necessities like food. It is used to encourage someone to be industrious rather than lazy or dependent on others.

This expression describes the behavior of people who are inconsistent or opportunistic in their relationships. It refers to someone who treats you as a useful friend (small tool) when they need something, but acts sharp or hostile (sickle) when they don't, or someone whose stance changes drastically based on availability and convenience.

This expression refers to things that are valuable only as long as they are functional or maintained. It is often used to describe the fragility of human life or temporary possessions, implying that once the essence or life is gone, only a useless shell remains.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and social interaction. It suggests that if you do not speak or express yourself properly, you will not find a place for yourself in society or in a specific situation. It is often used to encourage people to speak up or to highlight that social status and inclusion are built through speech and reputation.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has been given complete authority, resources, and responsibility to complete a task. It implies that the person has everything they need (the field to work on and the tool to work with) and the outcome now depends entirely on their effort and initiative.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone seeks advice or information and gets overwhelmed with excessive, often unnecessary, stories or lectures. It implies that certain people will keep talking or giving unwanted counsel as long as you are willing to listen.

This proverb highlights that personal needs and family responsibilities are endless and subjective. Just as one can always find a reason to say their meal plate (vistari) isn't full enough, family problems (samsaram) are continuous and internal; no outsider can truly resolve or fully satisfy these perennial lacks.

This phrase refers to a person who is assigned to watch over a specific corner or a border area. In a broader metaphorical sense, it is often used to describe someone who is protective of their territory or a person who holds a position of oversight in a specific niche or remote area.