Cunning

This expression describes people who act with great respect and humility toward someone only as long as they need a favor. Once their purpose is served and they no longer need that person's help, they treat them with indifference or contempt. It is used to highlight human ingratitude and opportunism.

This proverb is used to describe a person who tells a series of lies to cover up their laziness or negligence. Instead of admitting they didn't do the task, they fabricate an elaborate story and cite unreliable witnesses when their lies are questioned. It highlights the absurdity of making excuses for failing to perform basic duties.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely manipulative or clever enough to distort the truth completely. It refers to the act of misrepresenting facts so convincingly that one thing is mistaken for another, often used in the context of deceptive arguments or 'turning the tables' through verbal trickery.

This proverb is used to describe a person who puts on excessive airs or makes a huge fuss over nothing. It refers to someone who acts exhausted, sick, or defeated even before facing any real hardship or effort, often to gain sympathy or avoid work.

* Hij verdient een' stuiver en heeft wel voor een' braspenning dorst. † Ex uno specta omnia. ‡ Ex pede Herculem.

This expression refers to someone who is indecisive or waiting to see which side is more advantageous before taking a stand. Just as a cat sitting on a wall can jump to either side at any moment, it describes a person with a neutral or opportunistic stance who hasn't committed to a particular side yet.

This expression is used when a plan fails right at the start, leading to a total loss. 'Mondi cheyyi chupinchadam' specifically means to cheat, refuse to help, or leave someone empty-handed after promising something.

This proverb is used to describe how people or situations can change into more cunning, complex, or undesirable forms over time or with experience. It suggests that certain negative traits or circumstances tend to evolve into more sophisticated versions of themselves rather than improving.

This expression is used to describe a person who tries to escape responsibility or feigns complete ignorance about a situation even when it is not necessary. It reflects a 'playing it safe' attitude taken to an absurd or suspicious extreme to avoid any potential trouble or involvement.

This proverb suggests that a manipulative or overly clever person causes damage in multiple ways or more extensively than a straightforward person. It is used to warn others about the deceptive nature of 'gadusu' (cunning/shrewd) individuals whose actions have far-reaching negative consequences.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is exceptionally clever, meticulous, or perhaps overly cautious. It suggests that such a person ensures their work or words are so well-placed or impactful that they 'stick' or take hold in multiple ways or locations, leaving no room for failure or ambiguity.

This expression describes a hidden, unexpected, and extremely dangerous threat. It is used to refer to a person who appears harmless or is in a close/intimate circle but is actually waiting for an opportunity to strike or cause harm.

This proverb describes opportunism or adaptability. It suggests that one should change their stance, behavior, or plans based on the prevailing circumstances or the direction of the 'wind' to ensure their own benefit or survival. It is often used to describe people who align themselves with whoever is currently in power.

Suitable to the occasion.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to hide their shortcomings or losses by attributing them to a coincidental or dramatic event while trying to keep up appearances with others. It highlights the tendency to make excuses to save face in a social setting.

This expression is used to describe a person who agrees with everything someone says, even if it is logically impossible or absurd, usually to avoid conflict, please someone, or out of pure sycophancy. It highlights a lack of independent thinking or honesty.

This expression is used to describe an unpredictable person who oscillates between extremes—someone who can be insignificantly helpful or harmlessly quiet one moment, and then suddenly do something aggressive, harmful, or unexpected the next. It highlights a volatile or inconsistent personality.

This proverb is used to describe a situation that is highly exaggerated, impossible, or where the result/accessory is disproportionately larger or more significant than the source itself. It is often used to mock someone who tells tall tales or unrealistic stories.

This proverb describes someone who is lazy or makes excuses while they are comfortable or sick, but becomes extremely active and agile once their needs are met or their health recovers. It is often used to criticize people who avoid work by acting frail but move swiftly like a deer when it suits their interests.

This expression is used to describe a person who waits patiently and cunningly for someone's downfall or demise to gain a personal advantage. It refers to someone with predatory instincts who lingers around a situation, waiting for the right moment to exploit a loss or a tragedy for their own benefit.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to hide their mistakes or incompetence by blaming it on fate or karma. It highlights a circular or evasive way of answering where instead of giving a direct reason for a failure, one attributes it to destiny to avoid accountability.

This expression refers to deceptive talk or false promises born out of unfulfilled wishes or unrealistic ambitions. It is used to describe someone who makes tall claims or tells lies to mask their failures or to pretend that their unreachable dreams are within grasp.