Greed

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is overly generous or extravagant because the resources being used do not belong to them. It implies that people tend to spend or give away others' wealth much more freely than they would their own.

This is a humorous and sarcastic expression used to describe a situation where someone tries to accomplish too many tasks or satisfy many people with an insignificantly small amount of resources. It highlights the impossibility of stretching a tiny resource (like a drop of oil) to cover multiple major needs, mocking poor planning or stinginess.

This proverb highlights the fate of wealth based on how it is handled or acquired. It implies that a miser's wealth is eventually enjoyed by others because they refuse to spend it, and money earned through dishonest means will be wasted or lost in useless ways.

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 proverb describes a situation where someone makes an absurd or highly unreasonable additional demand when a favor is already being granted. It highlights extreme greed or lack of common sense when receiving help, suggesting that the requester doesn't know where to draw the line.

In the commercial world of ours, all become slaves/worshippers of money. The proverb cautions against the excessive power of money over human psychology and tries to advise people to consider other values in life as well.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is being inhospitable or stingy toward an unwelcome guest. Breaking the stem (boddu) of a betel leaf ruins the plant's future growth; it implies that the host is so annoyed or reluctant to serve the guest that they are willing to provide something in a destructive or rude manner just to get rid of them or show their displeasure.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks the common sense or skill to earn a living or work efficiently, yet has high demands or appetites. It highlights the irony of someone who cannot contribute much but expects a lot in return.

This proverb is used to describe someone with an incredibly large or gluttonous appetite. It humorously suggests that their eating habits are so extreme that they would even startle a powerful deity like Ankalamma (known for her fierce nature).

This proverb is used to criticize people who are so addicted to luxury, laziness, or easy comforts that they are willing to lose or sacrifice their most valuable assets, relationships, or long-term security just to satisfy their immediate cravings.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely greedy or obsessed only with food and selfish needs, regardless of their status or position. It implies that someone's focus is entirely on basic sustenance or material gain rather than their duties or higher purpose.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely enthusiastic and greedy when it comes to self-benefit or enjoying at their own place (or others' expense), but becomes a burden, nuisance, or acts powerless when they have to visit or help others. It mocks hypocritical behavior regarding hospitality and selfishness.

This proverb is used to criticize pettiness or greed among relatives. It suggests that when a relative or neighbor dies, the amount of land or wealth one gains is insignificant compared to the loss of a person. It highlights that harboring enmity for trivial material gains is foolish.

This is a paradoxical wish or a humorous proverb used to describe an impossible or overly greedy expectation. It refers to a situation where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of a resource (having healthy, well-fed children) without actually spending or exhausting the resource (the oil/money). It is often used to critique stinginess or unrealistic desires where one wants to have their cake and eat it too.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely stingy over small things but ends up suffering a massive loss due to that very greed or lack of foresight. It is used to critique someone who tries to save pennies while losing pounds, or whose stubbornness over a trivial matter leads to a total catastrophe.

This proverb highlights the difference in consumption and needs based on temperament and lifestyle. A glutton (one who wastes or overeats) requires a large measure (Thumu), whereas a modest and disciplined person is satisfied with a small measure (Manika). It is used to describe how resources are consumed differently depending on one's self-control and character.

This proverb is used to warn someone against trusting individuals who are inherently fickle, mercenary, or lack integrity. It suggests that certain people's promises, no matter how solemn the oath (like touching the head, which is a significant gesture in Indian culture), are unreliable because their loyalty is driven by money or self-interest rather than character.

This proverb highlights that some people are so habituated to their vices or professional dishonesty that they cannot make exceptions even for their own kin. It is used to describe an ingrained habit or a nature that remains unchanged regardless of the circumstances or emotional ties.

This proverb describes how habits formed while handling trivial or low-value items will persist when dealing with valuable things. It is often used to warn that someone who steals small things will eventually steal large amounts, or that discipline in small matters leads to discipline in large ones.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is overly greedy or selfishly waiting for someone's death just to inherit even the smallest, most insignificant belongings. It highlights an insensitive attitude where one cares more about material gain than the loss of a loved one.