బ్రతికి బావగారినీ, చెడి స్నేహితుని చేరాలి

This proverb highlights the helplessness of the weak when confronted by a powerful person. It implies that when a dominant force exerts pressure, one's only options are extreme: either face total destruction (jumping into a well) or complete surrender and subservience (seeking shelter under their arm). It is used to describe situations where there is no middle ground or fair negotiation possible against someone with overwhelming power.

This proverb highlights the contrast between two life experiences: resilience and loss. It suggests that a person who has overcome failure (Chedi Brathikinavaadu) gains immense strength and bravery, whereas a person who has fallen from a high status (Brathiki Chedinavaadu) suffers from deep emotional pain and many hardships. It is often used to describe the psychological state of people based on their life's trajectory.

This proverb reflects a traditional social sentiment regarding self-respect and family dynamics. It suggests that when a person loses their wealth or status (ruined), they might find refuge with a friend who views them as an equal, whereas going to a sister's (or relative's) house might lead to humiliation, a sense of burdening them, or being looked down upon by the in-laws.

This proverb highlights how past circumstances leave a mark. A person who was once poor but became wealthy will have a healthy, glowing face (cheeks) due to current nourishment, yet their humble beginnings might still be reflected in their lifestyle. Conversely, a person who was once rich but is now poor will still try to maintain their dignity and status through their neat, albeit old, clothing.

This expression warns that lending money to a friend often leads to the loss of both the money and the friendship. It is used to suggest that financial transactions can ruin personal relationships if the borrower is unable or unwilling to repay.

This proverb highlights a social observation that when a person loses their wealth or status, friends are often more supportive and less judgmental than relatives. Relatives might look down upon your misfortune or see you as a burden, whereas a true friend is more likely to offer genuine empathy and help without damaging your self-respect.

This proverb suggests that people who have fallen from a high status usually retain their values, culture, and humility. In contrast, those who suddenly gain wealth after being poor might become arrogant, boastful, or lack the character to handle their new status appropriately. It is a cautionary advice on choosing associations based on character and background rather than current financial standing.

This traditional proverb highlights the social complexities and ego associated with family dynamics. It suggests that while a friend might help you without judgment during financial ruin or failure, going to a sister's house (where she is a daughter-in-law) might cause her humiliation or lead to a loss of respect for your family in her marital home. It is used to emphasize maintaining dignity within family relations even during hard times.

This expression suggests that while prosperity attracts many acquaintances, shared struggles and hardship create much deeper, unbreakable bonds and true solidarity among people.

This proverb advises maintaining self-respect and social dignity. Going to an in-law's house while angry (after a fight at home) diminishes one's respect there, and going to a sister's house after losing one's wealth or status can become a burden and strain relationships. It emphasizes that one should avoid seeking refuge in places where their presence might lead to humiliation or awkwardness during times of vulnerability.