చల్లా చేయి గొల్లాభామా, ముడ్డీ తిప్పూ ముసలిభామ

This proverb describes a situation where an elderly person becomes overly attached to or obsessed with someone or something unsuitable or inappropriate for their age. It is often used to criticize elderly men who pursue younger women, or more broadly, to point out the irony of developing new, intense cravings at a late stage in life when they should be focused on other matters.

This proverb describes a situation where one person's growth or accumulation of wealth ultimately benefits someone else who controls or owns them. It is used to suggest that when a subordinate or an asset prospers, the ultimate gain goes to the master or the owner.

This expression refers to the immense hardships, health issues, and dependencies that often plague a person during their old age. It is used to describe a situation where one faces constant, overwhelming difficulties during the final stages of life.

This proverb highlights how people's preferences or attachments change with age or vulnerability. It suggests that someone in a weak or advanced stage of life finds comfort or affection in things that others might overlook or find plain, often implying that simplicity or basic companionship becomes more valuable than vanity in one's later years.

* On ne saurait faire boire un âne s'il n'a pas soif. † Man kan nœde en Mand till at blunde, men ikke til at sove.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unknowingly gets into a dangerous or disastrous situation while expecting something harmless or beneficial. It highlights a grave error in judgment or a lack of caution.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe a person who appears calm, innocent, or polite on the outside (face), but possesses a mischievous, restless, or troublesome nature internally. It highlights the hypocrisy or hidden behavioral issues of an individual who looks decent but constantly looks for trouble.

This proverb is used to describe individuals who maintain their strength, productivity, or work capacity regardless of their age. It implies that certain beings remain robust and useful until the very end, suggesting that age is just a number for those with a strong constitution or work ethic.

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that lacks the essential quality or skill required for its nature or purpose. Just as a shepherd must be able to whistle to herd animals and sugarcane is useless if not sweet, an object or person without its defining characteristic is considered ineffective or worthless.

This expression is used to signify that every result has a cause, particularly regarding consequences for one's actions. It implies that a person doesn't get into trouble unless they have done something wrong, or that there is no smoke without fire.

Don't play with the bear if you don't want to be bit. (Italian.)† * Ayer vaquero, hoy caballero. † Non ischersar coll'orso, so non vnuol esser morso.

If one does not make a mistake, the question of punishment does not arise. It is therefore necessary to avoid wrong conduct, in the first place.