ఉతికేవానికిగాని చాకలి ఉతకడు

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is putting in excessive effort or providing honors to a person who is absent, unknown, or irrelevant. It highlights the pointlessness of showing respect or decorating something that isn't present or visible.

This expression refers to activities that are done routinely or mechanically without much thought or specialized effort because they are part of one's inherent nature or daily trade. It is used to describe tasks that are performed as a matter of course or things that are inevitable and expected based on a person's role.

This proverb implies that certain tasks cannot be accomplished without exertion, pressure, or even a degree of conflict/opposition. Just as grain needs the forceful impact of a pestle to be processed, some results in life require a 'sparring partner' or a challenge to manifest.

This proverb highlights the irony and injustice in society where those who do physical, hard labor (like woodcutters) often receive harsh treatment or meager rewards, while those who perform easier tasks or offer superficial talk (like fortune tellers or flatterers) are rewarded with grain or valuables.

This proverb describes a situation where resources are already scarce, and then a new, unnecessary burden is added. It refers to how a washerman's family might wear the clothes given for washing, further wearing out garments that were already insufficient or tight for the original owner.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who has formal education but lacks common sense, practical skills, or character. It suggests that a simple worker (like a washerman) who performs their duties effectively is more useful to society than a learned person who cannot apply their knowledge or behaves foolishly.

This proverb is used to advise against greed and impatience. Just as glue or paste won't bond properly if you try to lick it or consume it before it sets, tasks or relationships fail if one tries to exploit them prematurely for selfish gain. It means that if you are overly greedy, you will end up losing the very thing you are trying to achieve.

This proverb refers to traditional preferences in village life: a barber's razor or tools are considered better when they are 'old' (well-seasoned/tested), whereas a washerman is judged by how 'new' (clean/fresh) the clothes look. It is used to describe how different professions or situations require different standards—some value experience and age, while others value freshness and appearance.

This proverb highlights the role of a true well-wisher or a mentor. A father (or a true guardian) points out mistakes so that one can correct them and grow, whereas a stranger or someone indifferent might only offer superficial praise (finding 'only the good') without caring about one's actual improvement. It emphasizes that constructive criticism is a sign of true affection and responsibility.

You may be more thankful to the fault finder than to the good natured.

This proverb describes a stubborn or negligent person who only learns from painful personal experience rather than foresight or advice. It is used to describe someone who waits for a disaster to happen before taking necessary precautions or changing their ways.