అప్పు తిర్చి అంగటనుండు

This proverb serves as a warning against reckless financial behavior and poor decision-making. It emphasizes that one should never get into a situation or debt so deep that there is no way to recover, just as one shouldn't dig a hole so large it can never be filled back up.

This proverb describes a situation where a third party takes advantage of a conflict between two people. Instead of resolving the issue fairly, the mediator benefits themselves at the expense of both disputing parties, much like a cat eating the birds it was supposed to mediate for.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of financial freedom and peace of mind. It suggests that once a person is free from debt, they can live fearlessly and confidently anywhere, even in a busy or public place like a market, without the shame or fear of facing creditors.

This proverb highlights that character matters more than documentation. A person with integrity will repay their debt regardless of whether there is a written agreement, while a dishonest person will find ways to evade or steal regardless of what is signed on paper. It is used to emphasize that trust is based on a person's nature rather than just formalities.

This expression refers to living beyond one's means or indulging in luxuries using borrowed money. It describes a lifestyle of temporary comfort or status sustained by debt, which is ultimately unsustainable and financially irresponsible.

Borrowing used to be viewed as undesirable in the past. People, now under the influence of consumerism, want to live on their future income. It is still wisdom to be neither a borrower nor a lender, in the words of Shakespeare.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's stubborn romantic obsession or infatuation is driven by ego or pride. It suggests that until their arrogance (balupu) is humbled by reality or hardship, their irrational desire (valapu) will not subside. It is often applied to people who need a reality check to stop acting on foolish impulses.

This proverb is used to describe investments or ventures that require upfront borrowing or initial expenditure but eventually yield high enough profits to cover both the new and old debts. It highlights the value of productive assets.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two parties fight over something, and a third party who steps in to mediate ends up taking the entire benefit for themselves. It originates from a fable where a monkey, while trying to divide a piece of bread equally between two cats, eats the whole thing bit by bit under the guise of balancing the portions.

Swindling others under pretence of arbitration.

This expression highlights that debts taken for basic survival needs like clothing (batta) and food (potta) are transient and must be cleared quickly. It is often used to emphasize that one cannot delay repaying small but essential debts or to point out that basic necessities are the first priorities that get consumed immediately, leaving no long-term asset behind.