చెడి బ్రతికిన వాని శౌర్యమెక్కున, బ్రతికి చెడినవానికి బాధలు ఎక్కున

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 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 proverb highlights the reliability of water sources in agriculture. It suggests that farming near a large lake (abundant water) ensures success and prosperity, whereas relying on a small well (limited water) is much riskier and rarely leads to significant wealth.

This expression refers to a situation where a job or a person involves very little physical effort or productivity, yet receives a high salary or compensation. It is often used to comment on laziness or overpaid positions where the output does not justify the pay.

This expression is used to remind others of the inevitability of death. It suggests that since no one lives forever, one should focus on living a meaningful life or doing good deeds while they are still alive, rather than worrying excessively about the end.

This proverb highlights a social irony: those who are prosperous and wealthy (Siri) are often burdened with endless responsibilities and hard work to maintain their status, whereas those who are lazy or seen as 'unfortunate' (Debirasi) often focus solely on consuming resources without contributing effort.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the actual skill or ability to perform a task but compensates for it by making loud boasts, showing unnecessary anger, or acting aggressively. It is similar to the English saying 'Empty vessels make the most noise'.

This proverb highlights the physical and visible remnants of a person's past circumstances. Someone who was once poor but became wealthy often retains a healthy, glowing appearance (plump cheeks) from their new prosperity. Conversely, someone who was once wealthy but lost everything often tries to maintain their dignity by wearing their old, high-quality clothes, which are now worn out or reflect their former status.

This proverb is used to describe people who lack substance, character, or high status but try to overcompensate by being overly showy, boastful, or excessively concerned with outward appearances and fashion.

This proverb is used to criticize people with limited abilities or status who show excessive arrogance or vanity. It compares their behavior to a small pot of rice that foams over easily, suggesting that true greatness is humble while shallow people boast the most.