బట్టప్పు పొట్టప్పు నిలవదు

This proverb functions as a metaphor for the law of karma and accountability. It means that every action has a consequence, and one must eventually face the results of their deeds. Just as eating salt inevitably leads to thirst, committing an act (especially a wrong or illegal one) will inevitably lead to its natural repercussions or punishment.

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to solve an existing problem or acquire a new resource results in being confronted by previous unresolved obligations. It is used when someone's efforts to move forward are hindered by their past mistakes or debts suddenly demanding attention.

This proverb is used to remind someone that if they enjoyed the benefits of borrowing money or taking a favor, they must also face the consequences or the difficulty of repayment without complaining. It highlights the contrast between the pleasure of acquisition and the pain of settlement.

This phrase is used to emphasize that being in debt is a constant source of stress, trouble, and psychological burden. It serves as a warning to avoid taking loans or living beyond one's means.

Debt is the worst poverty.

This proverb highlights the punctuality and inevitability of certain actions. Just as a devout Brahmin will never miss his evening prayers (Sandhyavandanam), a shrewd merchant (Komati) will never let a debt go uncollected or unpaid for long. It is used to describe things that are certain to happen or must be settled promptly.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is indifferent to moral complexities or the truth of a situation, and is instead solely focused on their own material needs or personal gain. It suggests that while higher matters are left to God, the individual is only concerned with what fills their stomach.

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 describes a person who lives recklessly beyond their means. It refers to someone who spends borrowed money on luxuries or fine food (represented by 'pappukoodu') without worrying about how they will repay the debt later. It is used to critique poor financial planning and hedonistic behavior.

This proverb highlights the feelings of guilt and shame. Just as a person who owes money avoids the lender out of embarrassment, a person who has done something wrong lacks the courage or confidence to face others directly. It is used to describe the loss of dignity or boldness resulting from wrong actions or financial burdens.