Hypocrisy

The man that did not pay his fare, got into the boat first.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who has contributed the least or nothing at all is the most eager or demanding to receive the benefits. It is used to mock people who display entitlement or boldness despite having no rightful claim or contribution.

Malabar spinach for show, and Amaranth if one can't eat it.

This proverb describes a person who boasts or maintains high appearances (symbolized by the slightly more 'sophisticated' Malabar spinach) despite their actual circumstances being humble or common (represented by the everyday Amaranth). It is used to mock people who act superior but live ordinary lives, or those who pretend to be picky about things they cannot afford.

Boasting always produces flowers, but never yields fruit.

This proverb highlights that empty boasting or showing off might look impressive (like flowers), but it leads to no real results or achievements (like fruit). It is used to describe people who talk big but fail to deliver substance or fulfill their promises.

Putting down the basket became a grand ritual, but old habits didn't go away.

This expression is used to describe a person who claims to have changed or gained a high status but continues to display their old, often negative, character or habits. It highlights the hypocrisy of pretending to be refined while remaining unchanged at heart.

Donkey's egg and Garuda's humiliation

This expression refers to chasing after something non-existent or impossible (since donkeys don't lay eggs). It is used to mock someone who is boasting about something that is actually worthless or a complete hoax, often implying that great efforts are being wasted on a ridiculous lie.

Like the driving of Śalya. Śalya, king of Madra having undertaken to drive the chariot of Karna continually endeavoured to dishearten him. (See Karna Parva of the Mahâbhârata). A faithless ally.

Derived from the Mahabharata, this expression refers to providing discouraging or demoralizing advice instead of support. It is used to describe a situation where someone who is supposed to help actually undermines your confidence through constant criticism or negative remarks.

Will the ghost strike and the child survive?

This expression is used to describe a situation where two contradictory things cannot happen simultaneously. It refers to an impossible outcome where someone causes severe harm (like a ghost attacking) but expects the victim to remain unharmed. It is often used when a person acts maliciously but pretends to care about the welfare of the victim.

O oil-woman! oil-woman! you pour out the oil as finely as you sit. Said to a cheat.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is asked to do something that is already their primary responsibility or natural duty. It implies that asking them is redundant because that is exactly what they are there for. It is often used to mock someone who acts as if they are doing a great favor by performing their basic duty.

She said 'they have fallen'.

This phrase is used to describe a person who tries to cover up their failure or misfortune by acting as if it was their original intention or a deliberate choice. It originates from a story where a person falls down and, to avoid embarrassment, claims they intended to lie down.

Leading someone forward and then hitting their heels/ankles.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or motivates another person to take a step forward or undertake a task, only to sabotage, betray, or pull them down once they have started. It refers to a deceptive or hypocritical act of double-crossing.

Like blessing oneself with long life and the other with good health.

This proverb describes a situation where a person creates a deal or an arrangement that appears mutual but is primarily self-serving. It is used to mock someone who pretends to be fair while ensuring they get the better or more fundamental part of the bargain.

Like a man drinking porridge twirling his mustache.

This proverb is used to describe someone who tries to show off or act proud despite being in a poor or humble situation. It mocks the act of displaying unnecessary arrogance when one's basic needs are barely met.

You have no shame, I have no hesitation, keep coming and going as usual, she said.

This expression describes a situation where two parties are completely thick-skinned or indifferent to social criticism and common decency. It is used to mock people who continue their shameless behavior or association despite being caught or criticized, showing a mutual lack of integrity or embarrassment.

Like dusting off feathers and tails and mixing them into broken rice.

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to deceive others by mixing useless or harmful waste into something useful. It signifies a deceptive act of camouflaging defects or filler material into the main product to increase volume or trick the receiver.

When one goes to drink, there isn't even a drop of buttermilk, but when a note arrives, they say they will send curd.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the basic resources for themselves but makes grand, empty promises to others. It highlights the irony of someone who cannot even afford a basic necessity (buttermilk) pretending to be generous with something more valuable (curd) just to maintain appearances or deceive others.

Scissors in the heart, jaggery on the tongue

This proverb describes a hypocritical person who speaks very sweetly and kindly (like jaggery) but harbors harmful or malicious intentions (like sharp scissors) in their heart. It is used to warn others about people who are outwardly pleasant but inwardly deceitful.

The experience belongs to one person, but the pride/boasting belongs to another.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one person does the hard work or goes through an experience, while another person takes the credit or boasts about it as if it were their own achievement. It highlights the irony of someone seeking validation for efforts they did not put in.

To judge a public illicit affair, former harlots have become heroic mothers.

This proverb is used to criticize hypocrisy. It describes a situation where people who have committed the same or worse sins in the past suddenly act like moral authorities or paragons of virtue when judging others. It is similar to the English saying 'the pot calling the kettle black' but with a more cynical tone regarding moral posturing.

When listening to the Puranas to attain detachment, one instead absorbed pure erotica.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's efforts lead to the exact opposite of the intended noble result. It refers to people who pretend to seek spiritual enlightenment or discipline but end up focusing on worldly or base desires instead.

Swati! I will gather/sweep it up, Vishakha! You blow it this way.

This proverb is used to describe two people who are conspiring together to cheat or loot others. It implies a coordinated effort where one person collects the spoils while the other facilitates the act through deception or force. It is often used sarcastically to mock those who are openly collaborating for dishonest gains.