బలిమి లేని వేళ పంతం చెల్లదు

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a single person is held responsible or made to bear the brunt of both successes and failures, or where one person is blamed for everything that goes wrong. It refers to a merchant (Shetty) who is expected to accept both good and bad coins (or transactions) in his business dealings.

A fool travelling with a Šetti [ merchant ] was plundered. On the robbers' questioning the genuineness of the coin, the man referred to his rich friend who had up to that time escaped their observation. To injure a friend unwittingly, from stupidity. * Men moet de koe wel melken maar de spenen niet aftrekken. † Bon sang ne peut mentir.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person's power, influence, or authority comes entirely from the position or office they hold rather than their personal merit or capability. It highlights that once the individual leaves that specific role or location, they no longer possess that same power.

This proverb highlights the cyclical and transient nature of life. Just as the two pots on a 'kavati' (a shoulder pole) balance each other and go up and down as one moves, prosperity and adversity follow each other inevitably. It is used to encourage stoicism during hard times and humility during successful times.

Fortune and misfortune are two buckets in a well. (German.)‡ Every day hath its night, every weal its woe. * Chi ha, 6. † Belche Lente sind überall daheim. ‡ Glück und Unglück sind zwei Eilmer im Galgenbrunn.

This proverb is used to describe someone who accepts or takes responsibility for everything, regardless of quality or validity. It often refers to a person who is willing to manage or settle matters even when they involve faulty, doubtful, or subpar items/situations, much like a merchant who handles all kinds of goods to keep business moving.

This proverb suggests that certain friendships or alliances might be unreliable or illusory. Just as wealth gained in a dream disappears upon waking, this expression implies that the benefits or the relationship itself might not hold up or remain tangible in reality when most needed. It is used to caution someone about trusting a connection that lacks a solid, lasting foundation.

This expression refers to something that lacks its core essence or purpose. Just as a bell is useless if it cannot ring and a crop is worthless if it doesn't yield grain, any object or person that does not fulfill their fundamental function is considered ineffective or hollow. It is used to describe wasted effort or decorative things that have no practical value.

This expression emphasizes that a person's power or influence often comes from the position or office they hold rather than their innate abilities. It is used to remind people that once they lose their status or position, their perceived power will also vanish.

This proverb implies that an individual's influence or power often comes from the position they hold or the situation they are in, rather than their innate ability. It is used to remind people to stay humble, as their authority might vanish once they leave that specific role or environment.

This proverb suggests that certain things are inherently flawed or incompatible and cannot be changed or fixed. Just as a fake coin will always be rejected in trade, a person or relationship for which there is deep-seated aversion or fundamental incompatibility will never truly be accepted or successful.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one's existing misfortunes are compounded by even more trouble or incompetence. It suggests that when a person is already in a helpless or poor state, they often end up with additional burdens that make their situation worse, rather than better.