వక్కపేడిత్తునా వనము దాటింతునా, చెక్కపేడిత్తునా చేను దాటింతునా?

This proverb is used to express that good or noble qualities cannot be expected from someone or something that is inherently inferior or bad. Just as a fragrant, divine flower like Parijata cannot grow on a toxic, milky weed like Jilledu (Calotropis), one cannot expect greatness from a base origin or nature.

Pārijāta is the Nyctanthes Arbor Tristis, a very celebrated tree said to grow in Svarga, Indra's paradise (W. Elliot). Jillēḍu is the Calotropes Gigantea.

This expression emphasizes that inner peace is the fundamental requirement for true happiness. It suggests that regardless of how much self-discipline (Dantudu) or spiritual knowledge (Vedanthi) a person possesses, they cannot experience genuine well-being if their mind is not at peace. It is used to highlight that tranquility is superior to mere learning or austerity.

This expression is used to state that a person of high integrity, purity, or strength cannot be corrupted or harmed by petty accusations or external evils. Just as termites can destroy wood but are instantly consumed by fire, true virtue remains untouched by malice.

This proverb is used to warn someone about the speed at which a secret or a piece of gossip spreads. Once a word is spoken aloud (crosses the lips), it becomes public knowledge and travels far and wide very quickly, making it impossible to take back.

* Sledet der Torp, so blühet die Freundschaft. † Zwei Augen, zwei Ohren, nur ein Mund.

This expression highlights the different ways a person can be troubled or tormented by those closest to them or by external forces. It is often used humorously or sarcastically to describe someone who is being extremely bothersome or persistent in their demands, suggesting that their nagging is as inescapable as these four roles.

This expression is used to describe a very uncomfortable, awkward, or distressing situation that one can neither swallow nor spit out. It refers to a state of being stuck in a dilemma or a painful predicament where no immediate solution is visible.

This proverb is used to imply that noble qualities or greatness cannot emerge from a mean or cowardly origin. It suggests that a person's inherent nature is determined by their lineage or character, and one cannot expect extraordinary results from something or someone that is fundamentally inferior.

This proverb is used to express that children inherit the traits and character of their parents. It is often used rhetorically to say that someone of a gentle or timid nature cannot produce someone who is aggressive or brave, or more commonly, that greatness or specific qualities cannot emerge from a lineage that lacks them.

This expression is used to state that someone with a pure, strong, or impeccable character cannot be corrupted or harmed by petty rumors or evil influences. Just as termites can destroy wood but are instantly consumed by fire, a person of integrity remains unaffected by baseless accusations.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone who actually has nothing (or is in debt) talks grandly about how to spend non-existent surplus wealth. It highlights the absurdity of worrying about distributing profits when one is actually facing losses.