విషపాల విత్తు, నేపాలపు గింజ

This expression is used to highlight the decline in quality, health, or size of things over generations. It suggests that what was considered small or ordinary in the past (like a green gram) is comparable or superior to what is considered significant today (like a pigeon pea), emphasizing the strength and richness of the olden days.

This expression is used to highlight the obvious origin of something or to indicate that the core essence (the rice) is hidden within a shell (the husk). It serves as a metaphor for looking beyond the external covering to find the true value or substance inside.

This proverb describes how hard-earned wealth or resources can be lost or taken away by intermediaries or through wasteful habits. It suggests that regardless of who earns the money (different castes/professions mentioned as examples), it ultimately ends up being squandered or taken by those who exploit others' labor or lack of foresight.

This expression is used to describe something that is extremely old, ancient, or outdated. It often refers to objects, traditions, or ideas that have been preserved for generations, sometimes implying they are long-lasting and at other times suggesting they are archaic.

In this proverb, a Guru is compared to a 'Chilla ginja' (Strychnos potatorum), a seed traditionally used to purify muddy water by making impurities settle at the bottom. It means that just as the seed clears turbid water, a Guru clarifies the mind, removes doubts, and purifies one's understanding of life.

This expression describes a situation where something harmful or malicious is hidden within something seemingly good, pure, or beneficial. It is used to caution against treachery or to describe a betrayal where kindness is used as a facade for a hidden agenda.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely malicious, hateful, or full of wicked intentions. It metaphorically represents someone whose entire character is composed of 'poisonous' traits.

This proverb is used to describe wasted effort or useless gifts. Just as a nose ring is pointless for someone who has lost their nose, and a dead seed will never grow regardless of how much it is tended to, some actions are fundamentally futile or given to those who cannot benefit from them.

This expression highlights the principle of exponential growth and abundance. It is used to describe how a small initial effort, investment, or act of kindness can yield results many times greater than the original input.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is inherently wicked or malicious from the very beginning. Just as a croton seed (Nepalam) is naturally toxic and produces a poisonous plant, some individuals possess a negative nature that cannot be changed. It is often used to warn others about someone's dangerous character.