Greed

This is a sarcastic expression used to mock hypocrisy or extreme greed. It twists the philosophical concept of 'Anityani Sharirani' (the body is temporary/perishable), which usually promotes detachment, into a justification for hoarding others' wealth. It is used when someone uses religious or moral teachings to mask their selfish motives.

This is a combination of two common Telugu sayings. The first part, 'Durasha dukhanki chetu', means that excessive greed inevitably leads to misery. The second part, 'Dushtunni chuchi duranga tolagali', advises that it is wise to avoid and keep a distance from evil or malicious people rather than confronting them, as their association only brings trouble.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person. It suggests that even when dealing with large sums like a hundred or a crore, the person gives something of negligible or trivial value (like a single thread or a cow's tail hair), highlighting their reluctance to part with their wealth.

This traditional proverb suggests that certain professions are inherently driven by self-interest or deceit. It implies that a goldsmith might skim off a bit of gold from every ornament they make, and a person whose affection is for sale (prostitute) cannot be relied upon for genuine loyalty. It is used as a cautionary saying about where to place one's trust.

This expression refers to a 'win-win' situation for a professional or intermediary where they benefit regardless of the outcome. It is often used to describe situations where a person profits whether the patient recovers (earning a fee) or dies (earning a ritual fee), highlighting a scenario where the service provider has no risk of loss.

A cow is presented at funerals to a Brahman to enable the soul of the deceased to get across the burning river Vaitarani which is said to separate heaven from earth. Said by a Brahman priest and doctor.

This expression describes a situation where something is extracted or forced out with great difficulty, very slowly, or in minute quantities. It is often used to refer to someone who is extremely stingy or a situation where getting a result requires an exhausting amount of effort for a very small reward.

* Noli equi dentes insipere donati,

This proverb highlights two human conditions: first, that human desires and greed never age or diminish even as the body gets old; second, that someone constantly seeking or begging for favors from others can never truly enjoy peace of mind or comfort, as they are always dependent on others' whims.

This proverb refers to someone who is extremely stingy or overly meticulous in a petty way. It describes the absurdity of tracking expenses or expecting repayment for acts of kindness or duty performed for close family members, where unconditional love should prevail over accounting.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to benefit from another person's misfortune or death, only to find that the benefit brings unforeseen troubles or burdens. It highlights that ill-gotten gains or taking advantage of a situation can lead to haunting consequences.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person's greed or aspirations grow exponentially while their actual luck or resources are dwindling. It serves as a warning against having unrealistic desires that are far beyond one's current means or fate.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the reward or payment is just as poor or mediocre as the work performed. It implies that neither the service nor the compensation was of high quality, often used when one person's low-quality effort meets another's stingy response.

* Un mal chiama l'otro,

This expression is used sarcastically to describe people who use a religious or moral justification to indulge their greed or over-consume something. While the first part is a religious sentiment about the purifying nature of sesame seeds, the second part humorously demands a large quantity for everyone, highlighting human selfishness under the guise of piety.

Tila is the Sesamum Indicum. A jocose proverb, half Sanscrit, half Telugu.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone demands payment or a bribe for something that should be free, accessible, or is a basic right. It highlights unnecessary obstacles or exploitation encountered in a straightforward process.

This expression describes a person who is overly stingy or tries to get things done with zero investment or effort. It is used to mock someone who refuses to spend even a small amount of money (like for shaving soap) or effort for their own basic needs, often resulting in a poor or painful outcome.

This proverb contrasts the boundlessness of human desires with the simplicity of minimalism. It implies that while human greed knows no bounds, one who is content with the bare minimum (symbolized by the 'gochi' or loincloth) can never truly be poor or suffer from the lack of luxuries.

This proverb describes a person who wants two things that are mutually exclusive or incompatible. In the context, one cannot drink porridge (ambali) from a bowl without getting it on their mustache. It is used to critique someone who is being greedy or unrealistic by trying to enjoy a benefit without accepting the associated consequences or trade-offs.

The two don't go well together.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's high expectations or greed are met with a disappointing or useless outcome. It refers to a dog that, thinking a round grinding stone is a lump of food, bites it and ends up hurting itself or getting nothing, effectively ending its desire through a harsh reality check.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone demands or expects a free addition (bonus) that is far more valuable or larger than the actual item they paid for. It highlights greediness or unreasonable expectations in transactions.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone visits or shows interest in something not out of genuine care, but because they have an underlying motive or are looking for a personal benefit (usually food or basic needs). It implies that the 'formal' visit is just a pretext for the 'actual' necessity.

This proverb describes a situation where someone expects something old, fragile, or cheap to last forever or serve multiple generations. It is used to mock people who are overly stingy or unrealistic about the lifespan of materials and tools, expecting them to endure far beyond their natural capacity.