Greed

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 highlights materialism or transactional relationships. It suggests that for someone driven by professional gain or money, the most attractive or important person is simply the one who pays them. It is used to describe situations where loyalty or affection is bought rather than earned through character.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely lazy and dependent. They are ready to eat alone (selfish/greedy) but need someone else's help even to move or get up from the bed. It is used to mock people who are active when it comes to consuming resources but become 'weak' or 'disabled' when it is time to work.

This expression is used to describe a situation or a person that is extremely stingy or a resource that is completely exhausted. It implies that no matter how much effort you put in, you cannot extract anything of value from someone who has nothing to give or is unwilling to share even the smallest amount.

This proverb is used to describe the human tendency to undervalue what one already possesses while overestimating the value or quality of what others have. It is similar to the English expression 'The grass is always greener on the other side.'

This expression is used to describe a situation where multiple guests or demands arrive simultaneously, making it difficult for the host to manage hospitality. It specifically highlights the coincidence of a welcome guest (the son-in-law) and an unwelcome or demanding guest (the greedy person) appearing at the same moment.

This expression refers to endless, unrealistic, or extravagant demands that are difficult or impossible to fulfill. It is used to describe someone who keeps asking for more and more without any practical consideration or limit.

This proverb highlights human mortality and the futility of excessive greed or pride. No matter how much wealth, land, or power a person acquires in their lifetime, in the end, they only occupy a tiny amount of space for rest or burial. It is used to teach humility and contentment.

This proverb highlights the boundless nature of human desire (greed) and the rapid, compounding nature of financial interest. It is used to caution people about how greed can lead one on an endless chase and how debts can quickly spiral out of control if not managed early.

This proverb describes a person who is stingy, lazy, or ill-tempered at home, causing misery to their family, but acts very generous, kind, and helpful toward outsiders or neighbors to maintain a good reputation. It is used to criticize someone who prioritizes their public image over the well-being of their own household.

This expression is used to describe how certain actions or desires lead to proportional consequences or further cravings. It implies that the more one indulges in a particular habit or greed, the more intense the subsequent need or consequence becomes. It is often used to warn against over-indulgence or to explain the natural outcome of a specific behavior.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is focused on a trivial or selfish gain while another person is suffering a massive loss. It highlights a lack of empathy and the tendency of some people to look for petty advantages even during a major catastrophe.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to gain from two different options but ends up losing both due to indecision, poor planning, or greed. It is similar to the English idiom 'falling between two stools.'

This expression is used to describe someone who leverages the fame, reputation, or hard work of their ancestors or superiors to gain personal profit or success without putting in any effort of their own.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone claims a close relationship or ownership only when there is wealth or profit involved. It highlights opportunism and fair-weather relatives who appear only when they see material gain.

This proverb highlights the insatiable nature of three things: illnesses that can keep occurring, melodies or attachments (raga) that can be endless, and the pursuit of luxury or pleasure (bhoga) which never feels sufficient. It is used to suggest that one should practice moderation and detachment because these three aspects of life have no natural stopping point.

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 proverb describes a person who is extremely calculating and never does anything unless there is a personal benefit or profit involved. It is used to highlight the opportunistic or materialistic nature of individuals who prioritize gain over risk or logic.

This expression refers to a person whose eyes are bigger than their stomach. It describes a situation where someone takes or orders a lot of food because it looks appealing, but they cannot actually finish it all because they get full quickly. It is used to caution against greed or wastefulness.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person. It suggests that a person is so greedy or manipulative (traditionally associated with the stereotype of goldsmiths skimming off gold) that their food or wealth is considered cursed or tainted, to the point that even scavengers like crows would avoid it.