Hypocrisy

This proverb is a pun on the word 'cent' (a unit of land) and 'scent' (perfume). It is used to mock someone who has no basic assets or foundations but still desires or demands luxuries and vanities. It highlights the irony of worrying about superficial things when one lacks essential necessities.

This expression is used to describe people who offer plenty of advice, empty promises, or boastful talk but disappear when actual practical help or financial support is needed. It highlights the gap between verbal commitment and real-world action.

This expression is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the value or qualities of someone or something once it is lost or dead. It highlights the human tendency to glorify the past or lost items far beyond their actual worth.

This proverb describes people with pessimistic or malicious mindsets who specifically look for flaws, failures, or the misfortunes of others to benefit themselves or satisfy their nature. Just as a fly ignores a healthy body to find a sore, and a fox looks for a carcass, some people only take interest in negativity.

This proverb is used to mock someone who puts on a grand act or maintains a high social status for show, but in reality, lacks the financial means to support it. It highlights the gap between outward pretension and inner poverty.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.

Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person does the hard work or provides the resources, but another person takes the credit or gets the limelight. It highlights an unfair distribution of recognition or benefits.

This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.

Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.

This proverb describes someone who is very vocal, boastful, or makes grand promises (Malli) but is completely absent or disappears when it comes time to actually do the work (Elli). It is used to criticize people who talk a lot but never follow through with action.

This proverb is used to describe a person who avoids hard work but puts a lot of effort into their appearance, fashion, or showing off. It suggests that those who are unproductive often focus excessively on superficial things.

In Telugu, 'Ragulu' and 'Chollu' are synonyms for the same grain (Finger Millet). This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being redundant, making unnecessary distinctions between identical things, or pretending to offer different choices that are actually the same.

This proverb describes someone who does a half-hearted or incomplete favor but demands the full respect or status associated with a close relative or a great benefactor. It is used to mock people who are stingy or perform duties poorly yet expect high praise and recognition for their supposed 'generosity'.

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.

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 proverb is used to describe a situation where people are unlikely to admit their own mistakes, flaws, or the poor quality of their belongings. It highlights the human tendency to be biased towards one's self and hide one's own shortcomings.

This proverb describes opportunistic behavior or hypocrisy. It refers to a person who acts humble and bows to others' feet when they are in trouble or need help, but turns arrogant and throws stones (attacks or insults) once they are in a powerful position or the situation favors them.

This expression refers to something that looks attractive or promising on the outside but turns out to be useless, empty, or disappointing on the inside. It is used to describe deceptive appearances where the external beauty does not reflect the internal quality.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe a person who is a compulsive or habitual liar. King Harishchandra is a legendary figure known for his absolute truthfulness; therefore, claiming someone 'slapped him' upon birth implies they are the polar opposite of him and started their life by defying truth.

This proverb describes the common human tendency to be hypocritical. It refers to someone who minimizes or ignores their own massive mistakes while exaggerating and criticizing the smallest flaws in others. It is used to point out bias, lack of self-reflection, or unfair judgment.

This proverb is used to describe a person who pretends to be weak, lazy, or incapable when asked to do work at home or in the village, but becomes extremely active, energetic, and agile when it concerns their own interests or outside activities. It highlights the hypocrisy of selective effort.