Greed

This proverb describes a person who becomes so addicted to a certain luxury, comfort, or habit that they suffer immensely or perish when they can no longer access it. It is used to caution against developing excessive dependencies or greed.

This proverb describes a situation where someone approaches another person for help or charity, expecting kindness because of their outward appearance or status, only to be met with someone even more destitute or someone who tries to take away what little the beggar already has. It is used to highlight the irony of seeking help from the wrong source or encountering unexpected greed/desperation.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely greedy or waiting to snatch something away the moment it becomes available. It refers to a person who is constantly eyeing others' belongings or food, ready to 'gulp' it down at the first opportunity.

This expression emphasizes the impermanence of material wealth and life itself. It is used to suggest that neither riches nor the person who earns them are eternal, often encouraging a sense of humility, detachment, or philanthropy over greed.

This expression is used to describe a person who has a massive appetite or is extremely greedy for food. It is also used to humorously comment on situations where the quantity of food prepared or served is excessively large.

This proverb describes inherent limitations of certain characters. A miser, by nature, cannot think of being charitable or righteous because of their obsession with hoarding. Similarly, a person who lacks common sense or works mindlessly (vetty) cannot be expected to possess wisdom or discernment. It is used to suggest that one shouldn't expect noble qualities from people whose nature is fundamentally opposed to them.

This proverb describes a situation where a person undertakes a risky or difficult journey to gain something new, but ends up losing even the little they originally possessed. It is used to caution against Greed or poorly planned ventures that result in a net loss rather than a gain.

This is a humorous or sarcastic expression used to comment on shifting priorities or hygiene. Pulagamu (a simple rice and dal dish) is often associated with traditional rituals or humble living, while Payasam is a luxury dessert. It can also imply that someone who settles for simple, honest food is blessed, whereas those indulging in luxuries might be cutting corners or acting out of greed.

This proverb describes a situation where someone demands payment or taxes for something they do not control or have no authority over. It is used to mock illogical or greedy demands made by people who try to exploit situations where they have provided no service or protection.

This expression describes a person who is extremely miserly or stingy. It refers to someone who tries to gain credit for being charitable or generous by offering something worthless (like the sour water leftover from soaking tamarind) as if it were a great sacrifice.

This expression describes a person who is extremely strong and hardworking when it comes to labor (like a bull/male calf), but also has a very large appetite when it comes to eating (consuming resources like a cow/female calf). It is used to characterize someone who works hard but also expects a lot in return, or simply someone who eats as much as they work.

This proverb describes a situation where someone asked for help or mediation is so overwhelmed by their own problems or greed that they try to take advantage of the situation for personal gain. It refers to an incompetent or biased person who, instead of solving a conflict, adds their own demands to the mix.

This proverb serves as a critique of tyrannical or greedy rulers. Just as a vulture preys on the dead or the weak for its own survival, an exploitative king or leader strips the resources and livelihood of his subjects for his own gain, showing no mercy or compassion.

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 expression is used to describe a person who is extremely stingy or protective of their wealth. It implies that the person is so miserly that even a slight accidental contact with them or their clothing is treated as a major loss or a demand for a fortune. It can also sarcastically describe someone who thinks too highly of their own value or status.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is overly eager or gives an immediate, enthusiastic consent to something that is clearly to their benefit. It refers to the bull (Basavanna) who never says no to its favorite food, implying a predictable and self-serving 'yes' without any hesitation.

This proverb highlights that a stingy person who refuses to spend money on themselves or others will eventually lose it all. When a miser dies or loses control, their hoarded wealth usually ends up being spent or enjoyed by strangers or the public rather than serving its intended purpose.

This expression describes a situation where someone gets themselves into a trap or a difficult situation due to their own greed, foolishness, or lack of foresight, eventually leading to their downfall. It is used to illustrate how an individual's own actions or bad habits can lead them into an inescapable predicament.

This proverb is used to describe how people flock to a place or person where there is wealth, profit, or influence. Just as flies are naturally attracted to sweets, opportunists are drawn to those who possess resources or power. It highlights the opportunistic nature of certain social circles.

This proverb implies that promises or words spoken by someone who is primarily driven by self-interest or monetary gain (historically referring to courtesans) are unreliable and illusory. Just as a bundle of wealth found in a dream disappears upon waking, such promises have no value in reality.