వెలగల జీవరత్నము ఒక్కటే చాలును, చిలిపిరాళ్లు తట్టెడు ఉన్నా ఫలము ఏమి?

This proverb is used to point out the futility of performing actions on something that doesn't exist or has no substance. Just as measuring empty air with one's arm (a cubit) yields nothing, planning or calculating based on non-existent resources or empty promises is useless.

Vain hopes.

This expression is used to describe a state of uncertainty about the outcome of a situation. It suggests that one doesn't know if a result will be positive or negative, or if a specific action will lead to success or failure. It is often used when embarking on a risky venture or waiting for a result that is out of one's hands.

This expression refers to someone or something that stands out or shines brightly in difficult, obscure, or unfavorable circumstances. It is often used to describe a person of great merit who is hidden in a crowd or a solution that brings hope during a period of crisis.

A bright exception among a bad lot.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a deed with the intention of gaining religious merit (punyam), but the act inadvertently causes harm or results in a mess. It is often applied when an attempt to do good backfires or when a seemingly pious person's actions are actually riddled with flaws.

This proverb emphasizes that material wealth (represented by the Navaratnas) is secondary to the presence of a virtuous, capable, and loyal human being. It suggests that a person's character and the presence of good people in one's life are more valuable than any amount of riches.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a small good deed or gains a little spiritual merit, but in the process, commits many sins or causes significant harm. It highlights hypocrisy or the irony of small virtues being overshadowed by large vices.

This proverb highlights how a single small negative element or one bad person can destroy a vast amount of good work or a large community. It is used to caution that even a minor flaw or a single troublemaker should not be underestimated, as they have the potential to ruin everything.

This expression means that a person of high quality, talent, or noble character does not lose their inherent value just because they are in a poor environment or associated with something of low quality. The value of the individual remains intact regardless of their surroundings.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a supposedly good deed or religious act, but the unintended negative consequences, sins, or flaws associated with it far outweigh the benefits. It highlights hypocrisy or the futility of an action that brings more harm than good.

This proverb highlights natural consequences. Just as water naturally flows and settles in low-lying areas (slopes), guilt or fear naturally follows a person who has committed a wrong act. It is used to describe how a guilty conscience is always fearful of being caught or punished.