Cunning

This expression describes a person who is extremely stingy and deceptive. The first part refers to someone so miserly they wouldn't even share food with a cat. The second part refers to someone who uses unreliable or irrelevant witnesses (like a mouse for a human wedding) to validate their questionable claims or status.

This expression is used to describe a person who does something useless or involuntary and tries to justify it as a meaningful activity or a way to pass time. It highlights the tendency to make excuses for involuntary actions or habits that have no real purpose.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people who are equally crafty, shrewd, or deceptive are communicating or collaborating. It implies that when two cunning individuals meet, they understand each other's hidden motives and tricks perfectly. It is often used to describe a partnership where both parties are trying to outsmart others or are perfectly matched in their mischievous nature.

This proverb highlights that the outcome depends on the nature of the guide you follow. While a loyal companion (dog) leads you toward civilization and safety, a cunning or deceitful person (fox) will lead you toward ruin or danger. It is used as a warning to choose one's mentors and associates wisely.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone achieves their goal or gets what they want through shortcuts or informal hints, rendering official or traditional procedures (like a formal wedding) unnecessary. It reflects the idea that if the desired result is obtained easily, the formal effort or expense is often bypassed.

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 describes extreme ingratitude or backstabbing. It refers to a person who, after receiving help or hospitality from someone, looks for ways to harm them or takes advantage of their host's kindness. In the full version of the proverb, when asked why he is being so ungrateful, the person foolishly justifies his malice by saying he would do the same elsewhere.

Gross ingratitude. I taught you to swim, and now you'd drown me.

This proverb describes a situation where something appears to be of high quality or value (like fine white rice), but is undermined by a fundamental flaw or deception in the process (like using a broken or unfair measuring cup). It is used to highlight instances where a benefit is neutralized by an accompanying disadvantage or hidden dishonesty.

This expression describes a situation where someone gives an evasive or indirect answer to hide an obvious truth. It is used when a person tries to appear innocent or avoids a direct 'yes' by focusing on a trivial secondary detail that implies the 'yes' anyway.

This proverb describes a person who behaves dishonestly or illegally when they think they can get away with it, but acts submissive or pays up only when caught. It is used to refer to people who evade rules or taxes as long as they aren't observed, but maintain a facade of arrogance or innocence otherwise.

This expression is used to describe a person who is naturally lazy or prone to making excuses, who then finds a genuine or additional reason to avoid work altogether. It highlights a situation where an already difficult or unproductive behavior is exacerbated by a new circumstance.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is deceived by superficial praise or false appreciation. It suggests that while people may outwardly compliment or flatter you, their underlying intentions might involve imposing burdens or exploiting you under the guise of 'honor' or 'favor'.

This expression describes someone who causes harm or betrays others in a very subtle, smooth, and seemingly harmless manner. It refers to a person who acts like a friend or well-wisher on the surface but performs an act of extreme cruelty or treachery without making a scene.

This proverb plays on the word 'Kshavaram' (shaving/haircut). While a barber performs a professional service, 'Tirukshavaram' is a slang term for being swindled or cheated out of everything. It is used to describe a situation where someone has been completely fooled or left with nothing by another person's cunning.

This expression describes a person who is exceptionally eloquent, persuasive, and possesses a charming or polished personality. It is used to compliment someone who has a 'way with words' and presents themselves with confidence and grace.

This is an old proverb based on traditional superstitions regarding physiological traits. It suggests that certain individuals who defy common physical stereotypes (like a dark-complexioned priest or a fair-complexioned laborer) are exceptionally cunning, shrewd, or dangerous to deal with. It is used to warn someone about people who might be deceptively clever or possess a sharp nature.

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 expression refers to the human tendency to take advantage of or bully those who are gentle, submissive, or overly kind. It is used to describe situations where someone's politeness is mistaken for weakness, leading others to exploit them.

This proverb is used to describe a person who commits large-scale scams or massive thefts. For such an audacious criminal, stealing something small or minor is effortless and insignificant. It highlights how someone capable of huge corruption will not hesitate or struggle with smaller illicit acts.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone pretends to have a problem or disability to avoid work or a specific task. Historically, barbers were also used for minor veterinary tasks like branding or treating cattle; hence, the ox pretends to be lame to escape the discomfort of the treatment or the labor expected afterward.