Greed

This proverb is used to describe a person who wants to fulfill their personal responsibilities or selfish desires using others' resources, while pretending that they are doing a great service to society. It mocks those who seek public funds for private gains under the guise of altruism.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is so greedy, stingy, or selfish that they ignore the genuine suffering or needs of others. In the context of the saying, a husband who is overly miserly might dismiss his wife's illness just to avoid spending money on treatment or to ensure his own needs are met first. It characterizes blind selfishness and lack of empathy due to greed.

This is a humorous yet cynical proverb used to describe someone who is extremely stingy, calculating, or desperate for tiny gains. It suggests that even in a situation where there is generally nothing to be found, a person might find a microscopic profit (an 'Egani' or small copper coin) by looking in the most unexpected or lowly places. It is often used to mock people who waste time on trivial, petty gains instead of focusing on significant work.

This expression refers to a person's change in behavior or attitude after attaining wealth or prosperity. It describes someone who becomes selfish, secretive, or exclusive, cutting off social ties and shutting their doors to others once they become rich.

This proverb describes an extreme case of ungratefulness or exploitation. It refers to a situation where someone takes everything a person has to offer and then humiliates them or leaves them with absolutely nothing. It is used to criticize those who benefit from someone's hospitality or help and then treat them cruelly or greedily.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person. In Telugu culture, flicking away leftover rice while eating is a trivial act of giving; if someone is unwilling to do even that, they are considered exceptionally greedy or uncharitable.

Said of a great miser.

This proverb suggests that human desire or greed is limitless and can never be fully satisfied. On the contrary, once a person gives up all expectations (hopelessness), they attain a state of peace because there is no longer any anxiety or worry about the outcome.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is forced or expected to give something, even if the original intended purpose or obligation no longer exists. It refers to people who look for any excuse to extract a contribution or benefit from others, even when the primary reason is absent.

This proverb describes a person's hypocritical attitude towards money or favors. They are extremely enthusiastic and happy when receiving something (like the bright celebration of Diwali), but they become miserable, reluctant, or delay indefinitely when it is time to give back or pay a debt (referring to the bonfire/mourning aspect of Kamuni Pandaga/Holi).

Kāmadāhana is the mournful commemoration of the burning of Kandarpa or Kāmadeva ( the god of love ) by the fire from Śiva's eye, when he in- terrupted the god in his devotions. Dīpāvali or Dīpāḷi is a joyous festival with nocturnal illuminations in honour of Kārtikeya. The name signifies " a row of lamps."

This proverb describes a person who is extremely calculating and profit-oriented. It suggests that certain individuals will never take a risk or perform an action unless they are guaranteed a personal gain or benefit. It is used to mock someone's stinginess or their habit of never doing anything out of pure altruism.

This proverb highlights a contrast in human behavior: those with no resources or status often resort to excessive pride or stubbornness to overcompensate, whereas those who are wealthy or successful are often driven by an insatiable desire for more. It is used to describe how ego and greed manifest differently based on one's circumstances.

This proverb refers to people who are solely focused on their basic needs or selfish gains rather than their duties or spiritual significance. It is used to describe someone who cares more about being fed or compensated than the actual work they are supposed to perform.

This expression is used to describe an uneven or disproportionate exchange, or a situation where a lot of resources are consumed for a single item. In a traditional sense, it refers to the heavy requirement of rice needed to accompany a large pumpkin curry, signifying that one thing necessitates a large amount of another to be useful.

This proverb is used to criticize people who value material wealth, gifts, or superficial displays of affection over the person who actually provides stability, commitment, and true companionship (like a husband). It highlights human greed or the tendency to favor those who offer temporary luxuries over those who fulfill lifelong responsibilities.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic sense, culture, or awareness of traditions. Akshatalu (sacred rice) are meant to be showered on the head for blessings, not eaten. It highlights how a foolish or ill-mannered person ruins a solemn or sacred gesture by acting out of ignorance or greed.

This expression is used to describe a mindset where people find someone else's money or possessions as sweet and easy to consume as jaggery. It is often used as a critique of individuals who are eager to spend others' money or use others' resources without hesitation or guilt.

Being liberal at others' expence. To cut large shives of another man's loaf.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's excessive greed or over-ambition leads them to lose even the basic things they already possessed. It warns against being penny-wise and pound-foolish or taking unnecessary risks that result in total loss.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone in a position of trust or responsibility misappropriates or squanders common resources or assets, leaving nothing for the intended purpose. It reflects a humorous yet cynical take on corruption or mutual embezzlement where two parties collude to consume everything for themselves.

This proverb describes a situation where one person works hard to earn wealth or resources, while someone else (often an idle person or an inheritor) spends, manages, or simply keeps track of that wealth. It is used to highlight the contrast between the person doing the labor and the person enjoying or controlling the benefits.

This proverb is used to describe a gluttonous person who claims they cannot eat any more because they are completely full, yet they imply that if there were even the slightest bit of space left in their stomach, they would have devoured much more. It highlights greed or an insatiable appetite.