Arrogance

A man's having is the wealth of Indra, his not having is the poverty of the world. In prosperity a man thinks himself the wealthiest of all, and in adver- sity the poorest.

This expression describes a self-centered perspective where an individual views their own prosperity as the ultimate luxury (like that of Lord Indra) and their own lack as if the entire world is suffering. It is used to characterize people who are so absorbed in their own circumstances that they lack empathy or objective perspective on the state of others.

It is better to die with grace/style than to die with arrogance.

This expression suggests that if one must face a downfall or an end, it is better to do so with dignity and elegance rather than through prideful behavior or agonizing over it. It is often used to comment on someone's attitude towards life's inevitable challenges.

When someone said 'Oh Ekaadasi Brahmin', he replied 'Will calamities come and live with me?'

This proverb is used to describe a person who is recklessly indifferent to warnings or signs of impending trouble. It mocks someone who, when cautioned about a small problem or a specific ritualistic requirement (like fasting on Ekaadasi), responds with extreme exaggeration or sarcasm instead of addressing the issue.

Like stretching more when being corrected or adjusted.

This expression describes a person who becomes more stubborn, arrogant, or defiant as you try to correct their behavior or humble them. Instead of improving or listening, they react by showing even more ego or pride.

While the face looks like a big respectable man, the intellect is that of a donkey.

This expression is used to describe someone who looks dignified, elderly, or respectable on the outside but lacks common sense, basic etiquette, or behaves foolishly/stubbornly. It highlights the contrast between one's mature appearance and their immature or foolish behavior.

When one went for bragging, they got mocked; when they went carelessly, they got kicked and had their head-cloth snatched.

This proverb is used to warn someone against excessive boasting or being overly casual/negligent in a situation where they lack the upper hand. It illustrates a situation where a person tries to show off or act superior, but instead of gaining respect, they suffer a humiliating loss or are treated poorly by others.

The type that rattles like a fever nut bush

This expression is used to describe a person who talks incessantly, noisily, or harshly without pause. Just as a dry 'Gachhapoda' (fever nut bush) makes a rattling sound when the wind blows or when disturbed, this refers to someone who is talkative or argumentative in an annoying manner.

A seer of turmeric for this face?

This expression is used to mock someone who has high or unreasonable demands that do not match their worth or status. It is a sarcastic remark used when someone asks for something far beyond what they deserve or when someone of low merit expects grand treatment.

Everyone who sees a deer claims to be a hunter.

This proverb is used to describe people who boast about their skills or claim credit for something just by being present or witnessing an event. It highlights that observing a situation doesn't make one an expert or a participant in the actual hard work required for success.

Like the servant who acts like the master

This expression is used to describe a situation where an employee or subordinate behaves with more authority or arrogance than the actual owner or employer. It highlights the irony of someone in a service position overstepping their boundaries and acting overly superior.

Ganganamma, whose body had grown stout, supposedly asked for cow-dung cakes.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has become arrogant or eccentric due to newfound wealth or excess comfort. It refers to someone who starts acting strangely or makes absurd, lowly demands simply because they no longer have any real problems to worry about.

Like an egg heckling the young bird.

A young, inexperienced man ridiculing an elder one. It is better to learn to respect the elderly and experienced people, and, if possible, learn from their expertise gained over many years.

A fastidious person suffers more than one who is less par- ticular. (See Roebuck's Persian and Hindustani Proverbs, No. 776, Part II. Sect. I.)

This proverb highlights that while an unrefined person might have obvious flaws, a hypocritical or pretentious person who tries too hard to look good often has deeper, more pervasive issues or faults. It is used to criticize those who prioritize superficial appearances over genuine character.

What does the fox at the river know about the proper laundry ghat?

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks specialized knowledge or discernment in a particular field, yet attempts to judge or involve themselves in it. Just as a fox roaming the riverbank cannot distinguish a specific washing area (ghat) from any other spot, an amateur cannot understand the nuances or value of professional work.

For the tiger-man, the tickler-man is the husband.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a strong, fierce, or arrogant person is eventually defeated or outsmarted by someone even more capable or clever. It conveys the idea that no matter how powerful someone is, there is always someone superior who can keep them in check.

No money or wealth, but a servant with a shoulder badge.

This proverb describes a person who lacks financial resources or status but still maintains a pompous attitude or insists on expensive appearances and luxuries. It is used to mock those who live beyond their means or pretend to be more influential than they actually are.

" When did you go to the river, when did you bring the sand ?" [asked the husband ] "If women like, how long will that take ?" [saucily replied the wife ] "If men like, how long will this take ?" [said the husband ] giving her four double-handers. The husband's question was caused by finding sand in his food.

This proverb is a sarcastic take on making excuses and the consequences of over-cleverness. It describes a situation where a woman tries to cover up a lie with a boastful remark about her capabilities, only for her husband to respond with a harsh reality check. It is used to caution against making unrealistic claims or using wit to hide faults, as it may provoke an equally strong or stronger reaction.

* Il faut tendre volle selon le vent.

May a man fight with his Guru ?

This expression is used when someone challenges, argues with, or tries to outsmart their own mentor, expert, or the person who taught them everything they know. It implies that such a conflict is disrespectful, foolish, or a losing battle for the student.

An excessively fat stud bull neither climbs nor lets another one climb.

This expression describes a dog-in-the-manger situation. It is used to criticize a person who is unable or unwilling to perform a task or utilize a resource, but out of spite or arrogance, prevents others from doing so as well.

As he grew and grew, the elder brother-in-law became a Guttam donkey, they say.

This proverb is used to describe a person who, despite getting older or gaining more experience, becomes more foolish, stubborn, or useless instead of gaining wisdom. It highlights a situation where someone's growth is inversely proportional to their maturity or intelligence.