Friendship

This proverb describes the nature of friendships based on financial status and reciprocity. A merchant (Komati) is friendly as long as you are a customer spending money, whereas an Eediga (historically associated with communal social circles) represents a friendship based on mutual exchange or sharing. It is used to highlight how the dynamics of friendship change based on economic transactions versus mutual benefit.

This is a witty or self-deprecating expression used to highlight compatibility or a shared level of mischief/character between two people. It implies that just as 'like attracts like' for good people, the speaker and the listener are a perfect match for each other, often used humorously among close friends or partners to acknowledge their shared quirks or flaws.

This expression is used to describe how relationships can change drastically over time. It highlights the irony or bitterness of life where someone who was once a close confidant or best friend has now become a bitter rival or enemy, often due to betrayal or changing circumstances.

This proverb highlights that when there is love and strong friendship between people, they tend to overlook each other's mistakes or flaws. It is used to describe how affection creates a sense of tolerance and bias where one sees no wrong in the person they love.

This proverb reflects a traditional social sentiment regarding self-respect and family dynamics. It suggests that when a person loses their wealth or status (ruined), they might find refuge with a friend who views them as an equal, whereas going to a sister's (or relative's) house might lead to humiliation, a sense of burdening them, or being looked down upon by the in-laws.

This expression is used to remind someone that even if a person or thing is physically distant (out of reach or out of the house), they are still kept in one's thoughts and memories. It is often used in the context of loved ones living far away, emphasizing that physical distance does not mean they are forgotten.

This proverb emphasizes that kind speech and pleasant behavior can win over anyone. If you speak politely and kindly, the whole world becomes your kin, whereas harsh words alienate even close friends.

This expression describes a situation where two people with different deficiencies or limitations collaborate to help each other overcome their respective weaknesses. It signifies mutual cooperation and synergy, where one person's strength compensates for another's weakness, similar to the 'Blind Man and the Lame Man' fable.

This proverb emphasizes that relationships, whether friendly or adversarial, work best between equals. In friendship, equality ensures mutual respect; in a conflict, a fair match prevents exploitation or unnecessary bullying. It is used to suggest that one should associate with or challenge those of a similar status or strength.

This proverb highlights the difference between a sycophant and a true well-wisher. Someone who always tells you what you want to hear (making you laugh/happy) might be leading you toward a downfall by ignoring your mistakes. In contrast, a true friend or mentor who criticizes you or tells you harsh truths (making you cry/sad) actually helps you improve and succeed in life.

This expression is used to describe an extremely close, intimate, and inseparable relationship between people (usually friends or family). It signifies a bond characterized by total trust and shared lives.

This proverb contrasts the nature of sibling relationships. It suggests that brothers often end up as rivals or enemies (usually due to property disputes or ego), whereas sisters tend to maintain a deep, lifelong bond and friendship.

This expression emphasizes the unbreakable strength of unity and blood relations. Just as water cannot be divided by striking it with a stick, family bonds or deep friendships cannot be permanently severed by external interference or petty quarrels. It is used to describe things that are inseparable.

This proverb highlights the power of affection over coercion. It suggests that people are willing to endure hardships or do difficult things for those they love or trust, whereas force and authority fail to make someone comply even with something beneficial.

This proverb highlights the destructive power of money in personal relationships. It warns that even the deepest, life-long friendships can be destroyed by greed or financial disputes. It is used to caution people to keep financial dealings and friendships separate or to be wary of how money changes people's loyalties.

This is a witty, self-deprecating, and sarcastic remark used to insult the person being spoken to. It implies that both the speaker and the listener are fools, contrasting them with the 'wise people' who were sent elsewhere. It is often used humorously among friends to call someone an idiot without being overly aggressive.

This proverb emphasizes that affection and friendship can achieve things that force or coercion cannot. You can convince someone to do something difficult or unpleasant (bitterness) out of love, but you cannot force them to accept even something beneficial (milk) against their will.

This expression is used to describe an inseparable bond or a deep friendship. Just as salt dissolves completely into food and cannot be separated once mixed, it refers to people or things that have become perfectly integrated or united.

This proverb highlights a social observation that when a person loses their wealth or status, friends are often more supportive and less judgmental than relatives. Relatives might look down upon your misfortune or see you as a burden, whereas a true friend is more likely to offer genuine empathy and help without damaging your self-respect.

This expression emphasizes that the words spoken by a loved one are more pleasing and comforting to the heart than the sweetest natural substance. It is used to describe the beauty of affection and the power of kind words in a relationship.