చెరుకు తియ్యనని వేళ్ళతో కూడా తిన్నట్లు

This proverb describes a clever, adaptable, or opportunistic person who knows how to adjust their behavior depending on who they are with to suit their own benefit. It highlights the tendency to enjoy luxuries with those who can afford them while appearing humble or simple with those who have less, or simply fitting into any social circle seamlessly.

This expression describes a person who is hypocritical or double-dealing. It refers to someone who pretends to be a friend to both sides of a conflict, or someone who tries to support opposing interests simultaneously for their own benefit.

This expression is used as a warning against over-exploiting someone's kindness or overusing a resource. Just as the root of the sugarcane is hard and tasteless compared to the stalk, pushing a good situation too far will eventually lead to a bitter or difficult end.

This proverb describes how an ordinary or low-status person gains respect or a higher position simply by being in the company of great people. Just as the fiber (nara) used to tie a garland is worn on the head along with the fragrant flowers, an individual benefits from the association with virtuous or successful people.

This proverb is used to warn against taking undue advantage of someone's kindness or a good situation. It implies that even if something is beneficial or a person is generous, there should be a limit to how much you exploit it. Overusing or overstepping boundaries will eventually lead to negative consequences.

Said of a greedy, grasping person. Milk the cow, but don't pull off the udder. (Dutch.) Give him an inch and he'll take an ell. Give a clown your finger and he will take your whole hand.

This proverb advises against being overly greedy or taking undue advantage of someone's kindness or a good situation. Just as pulling a sugarcane plant out by its roots destroys the source of future sweetness, exploiting a person or resource completely will eventually leave you with nothing. It emphasizes the importance of moderation and maintaining boundaries even when something is beneficial.

This expression describes a person who is highly opportunistic or clever at adapting to their surroundings to get the best out of every situation. It refers to someone who manages to dine with everyone, upgrading their meal each time, symbolizing their ability to benefit from multiple parties by playing different roles.

This proverb highlights the traditional, often difficult relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. It suggests that just as the neem leaf is inherently bitter, a mother-in-law is inherently stern or demanding. It is used to describe situations where something is naturally harsh or impossible to find in a gentle form.

This expression describes a situation where something harmful or malicious is hidden within something seemingly good, pure, or beneficial. It is used to caution against treachery or to describe a betrayal where kindness is used as a facade for a hidden agenda.

This proverb describes a person who is highly opportunistic and inconsistent. It refers to someone who acts arrogant or tries to dominate when they have the upper hand (grabbing the hair), but becomes extremely submissive or begs for mercy when they are in a weak position (falling at the feet).