వరికి ఒక వాన, ఊదకు ఒక వానా?

This proverb highlights the essential requirements for success in different domains. Just as a rice crop (paddy) cannot thrive without a constant supply of flowing water, a ruler or leader cannot maintain power or achieve victory without a loyal group of followers or an army. It is used to emphasize that resources and support systems must match the nature of the endeavor.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the solution provided does not match the problem at hand, or when actions taken are completely irrelevant to the actual issue. It highlights a lack of coordination or understanding in addressing a specific challenge.

This proverb emphasizes that an intelligent or sensible person understands and acts upon a single word of advice or instruction, just as a disciplined ox responds to a single stroke. It is used to suggest that wise people do not need repeated warnings or explanations to do the right thing.

This expression emphasizes that the power of writing and intellectual influence is far more effective and enduring than physical force or violence. It is used to highlight the importance of diplomacy, literature, and legal action over military power.

This proverb highlights the diversity of human nature and preferences. It suggests that just as different people enjoy different flavors, every individual possesses their own unique way of thinking, personality traits, and opinions. It is used to explain why people disagree or have varying interests.

* Tutti i gusti son gusti. 36

This proverb is used to describe a state of confusion or dilemma when facing contradictory reactions or consequences from different people. It is often used by someone in a position of authority or a performer who is receiving both excessive praise (bowing) and harsh criticism or physical harm (striking) at the same time, wondering which group poses the greater threat or deserves more attention.

Yielding to force and not to entreaties.

This proverb highlights the difference in receptiveness to advice. A wise or good-natured person understands and corrects their behavior with just a simple word of advice. However, an obstinate or foolish person will not learn unless they are punished or dealt with harshly (metaphorically represented by a 'cheta' or winnowing basket). It is used to suggest that different people require different levels of persuasion or discipline.

A blow with a sieve, a broom, or a slipper is very degrading.

This expression describes a person who is highly unpredictable or inconsistent. It refers to someone who changes their behavior or attitude based on their mood or convenience—being overly kind one moment and harsh the next, making it difficult for others to know how to deal with them.

This proverb describes the specific resource requirements of different animals based on their status and size. It is used metaphorically to explain that every individual or entity needs an environment or support system proportionate to their scale or nature to thrive.

This proverb highlights the contrast between the time and effort taken to create something versus how easily it can be destroyed. It is used to describe situations where long-term hard work is undone in a single moment of misfortune or a single careless act.