బ్రతికి ఉండగా పాలు లేదు గాని, చచ్చిన వెనక గంగిగోవును దానం చేస్తానన్నట్టు.

This expression refers to someone who gives something away as a gift or charity but still tries to maintain control over it or enjoy its benefits. It is used to describe a person who wants the reputation of being generous without actually letting go of the advantages of the object donated.

A change in location or environment does not change a person's inherent nature or character. This proverb is used to point out that visiting holy places or performing external rituals cannot wash away deep-seated flaws or transform someone who is fundamentally wicked into someone virtuous.

Formal observances cannot make a sinful man holy. He that goes a beast to Rome, a beast returns. ( Italian. )* Send a fool to the market, and a fool he'll return.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone realizes their mistake or understands the importance of something only after it is permanently lost or when it is too late to rectify the damage. It highlights the futility of late realization.

This expression is used to describe someone or something of immense value, status, or reputation that remains significant regardless of their current state or circumstances. Just as an elephant provides labor while alive and valuable ivory/hides after death, a great person's legacy or a high-quality asset continues to command respect and value even after its prime.

This proverb emphasizes that life is the most precious thing of all. As long as a person is alive, they can find a way to survive even in the most difficult circumstances or with the simplest of food. It is often used to encourage hope during crises or to suggest that safety and survival are more important than luxury or status.

This expression is used to describe a sarcastic or impossible promise. It highlights a logical paradox where the condition for something to happen (staying alive until death) makes the outcome (marriage) impossible or redundant, often used to mock someone making empty or deceptive commitments.

This expression describes a situation where one useless or ruined thing is given to someone who is already in a helpless or destitute state. It refers to a mock charity or a futile gesture where neither the giver is making a sacrifice nor the receiver is getting any benefit. It is used to mock instances where someone tries to solve a problem with a worthless solution.

This proverb is used to mock people who make grand, boastful promises of generosity or bravery when they actually possess nothing or have very little to offer. It highlights the irony of someone acting like a great philanthropist while asking others for basic necessities.

This proverb refers to a person who commits a massive sin or causes great harm to achieve a very minor, insignificant act of charity or good. It highlights the hypocrisy and absurdity of trying to cover up a cruel act with a trivial righteous deed, or using unethical means to justify a small positive end.

Steal the goose, and give the giblets in alms.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone achieves great things or survives long hardships, only to fail or suffer an ignominious end due to a trivial mistake or at the very last moment. It signifies an anti-climactic or disgraceful conclusion to an otherwise long or significant journey.