Opportunity

This proverb suggests that people or resources naturally gravitate toward a place of abundance or opportunity without needing to be invited. Just as ants are attracted to water or food, people are drawn to success, wealth, or power.

This proverb describes a situation where something initially rejected or treated with contempt eventually grows in value or quantity to become a significant asset. It is used to highlight the unexpected success or accumulation of things that were once considered worthless.

This proverb highlights the pursuit of the highest quality experiences. Clotted cream (Meegada) represents the richest part of the milk, while Begada is considered a profoundly pleasing and regal melody in Carnatic music. It is used to suggest that if you are going to indulge in something, you should choose the absolute best version of it.

This proverb highlights that life lacks vitality or challenge without a competitor or an adversary (vadu). Similarly, a queen's status or influence feels diminished if she doesn't have a maid (dadi) to serve or interact with. It is used to express that certain roles or situations require a counterpart to be meaningful or lively.

This proverb emphasizes situational awareness and appropriateness. It suggests that one's actions, words, or efforts should be tailored to the specific circumstances or the tools at hand, similar to the English expression 'To suit the action to the word.'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is unable to appreciate or utilize something valuable or high-quality that has come their way. Just as a dog cannot break or eat a whole coconut despite having it in its mouth, an unworthy or unskilled person cannot benefit from a great opportunity or a sophisticated item.

This expression is used to describe a natural or harmonious sequence of events where everything happens as it should at the right time. It signifies the onset of a beautiful season or a positive change, often used metaphorically to indicate that good times or expected outcomes have finally manifested.

This proverb is used when someone completes a major task or makes a significant deal but hesitates or forgets to include a small, essential accessory or minor detail related to it. It implies that when a big commitment is made, the small requirements associated with it should naturally follow.

This proverb signifies that when luck or time is on your side, success and prosperity come effortlessly. It is used to describe a period of life where everything falls into place perfectly without much struggle, and even unexpected benefits occur.

This expression refers to a person who is exceptionally strong, healthy, or energetic because they have benefited from multiple sources of support or resources. It can also describe someone who is overly smart, cunning, or quick-witted due to having diverse experiences or 'best of both worlds' advantages.

This expression is used to describe something that requires very little investment or effort but yields great results or significant benefits. It is often used in the context of effective solutions, good deals, or simple virtues that provide immense value.

This proverb suggests that for a person with no pride, attachments, or fixed responsibilities, the whole world is their home. It is often used to describe people who are resourceful or nomadic, implying that they can find sustenance or a way to survive anywhere because they are not tied down to a single place or status.

This proverb is used to describe an unexpected and immense stroke of luck or a windfall. It portrays a situation where someone gets a huge, delightful benefit (symbolized by the sweets tree) while just casually standing under an ordinary tree (Aare tree).

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone foolishly rejects or obstructs a great opportunity or fortune that comes their way. It signifies self-sabotage or turning away good luck due to ignorance or stubbornness.

This proverb describes a situation where something you were seeking or planning to travel for becomes available to you unexpectedly and effortlessly. It is used when a desired opportunity presents itself right at your doorstep just as you were about to put in effort to attain it.

A thing sought for to come to hand without trouble.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who exploits a favorable situation or a person's kindness to an extreme, irrational, or greedy degree. It suggests that one should not misuse opportunities or luck, as overdoing something wrong just because you haven't been caught yet will eventually lead to trouble.

This expression refers to something valuable, beautiful, or useful that goes to waste because there is no one around to appreciate or benefit from it. It is used to describe efforts or talents that are unrewarded or spent in vain.

Wasted on a spot where it is not appreciated.

While there is opportunity one must avail oneself of it and make proper arrangements for oneself and the family. It is similar to “make hay while the sun shines.”

This proverb describes a person who is opportunistic or highly adaptable. It refers to the practice of changing one's opinions, loyalty, or behavior to suit current circumstances or to gain an advantage, similar to the English expression 'to trim one's sails to the wind.'

Set your sail according to the wind. (French.)*,

This proverb describes the irony of human indecisiveness in the market. When prices are very low (cheap), people suspect the quality and hesitate to buy. Conversely, when prices are high (dear), people hesitate to sell because they hope for even higher prices or fear they won't be able to replace the item. It is used to describe a state of perpetual hesitation or missed opportunities.