చెట్టు ఎక్కేవాడిని ఎంతదాకా నెట్టవచ్చును?

This proverb is used to describe limits to helping someone. Just as you can only push a tree climber as high as your hands reach, after which they must climb on their own, you can only provide a certain amount of support or motivation to a person. Eventually, their success depends on their own effort and initiative.

A clumsy person must be helped to the end.

This expression is used to describe someone giving a completely illogical, absurd, or irrelevant excuse for their actions. It mocks the act of providing a justification that makes no sense, as grass does not grow on top of coconut trees.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or helps another person to take a risk or reach a certain position, only to abandon them or withdraw support once they are vulnerable. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in a helpless situation after leading them into it.

This expression describes an absurd or impossible request made at an inappropriate time or situation. Lime (sunnam) is typically used for chewing betel leaves and is carried in small containers. It is illogical to stop someone high up on an elephant to ask for something so trivial and physically difficult to reach, signifying a lack of common sense in making requests.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being encouraged or provoked to do something risky or foolish. It suggests that there is a limit to how much you can urge someone on, or that the person is already acting on their own impulse and your additional 'help' might lead to their downfall.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or helps another person to start a difficult task or take a risk, but then abandons them or removes their support once they are in a vulnerable position. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in the lurch.

This proverb is used to emphasize that once a word is spoken or a secret is leaked, it is impossible to take it back or undo the damage, no matter how small it was. It highlights the importance of being careful with one's speech and actions because while it is easy to release something, it is impossible to restore the original state.

This expression refers to adding an unnecessary burden or a dangerous hindrance to someone who is already performing a difficult and strenuous task. It describes a situation where instead of helping someone in a struggle, a person adds more risk or trouble to their journey.

* El secreto de Anchuelos. ( See Kelly's "Proverbs of all Nations" p. 178. )

This proverb emphasizes that loss of reputation or a stain on one's character is far more painful and difficult to endure than even the most tragic personal misfortune or social hardship. It highlights the supreme importance of personal honor over physical or social suffering.

This proverb is used to explain that you can only help or encourage someone who is already making an effort to succeed. It implies that external assistance has limits and is most effective when the recipient is proactive and self-motivated.

* Domandar chi naque prima, l' uovo o la gallina.