దబ్బులేనివాడు డబ్బుకు కొరగాడు

In the commercial world of ours, all become slaves/worshippers of money. The proverb cautions against the excessive power of money over human psychology and tries to advise people to consider other values in life as well.

This proverb is used to highlight how poverty changes one's perspective or how people treat those who cannot afford their services. In a literal sense, it implies that a person without wealth cannot pursue luxury or indulgence, as they are treated with the same distance or respect as a maternal figure by those who sell such services, simply because there is no transaction possible.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely stingy or miserly. It suggests that for such individuals, parting with their money is as painful or difficult as losing their life. It highlights a deep, inseparable attachment to wealth.

This proverb is used to convey that no matter how many difficulties or challenges (poverty/troubles) one faces, there are always ways to overcome them. It emphasizes human ingenuity and the availability of endless solutions to any number of problems. It is often used to encourage creative problem-solving in desperate situations.

This expression highlights that money and life are deeply interconnected. It is used to describe situations where financial stability is essential for survival, or conversely, when one risks their life for financial gain. It implies that people value their wealth as much as their life, or that wealth is the 'lifeblood' of one's existence.

This expression highlights the power of wealth in determining social status and comfort. It contrasts the extreme luxury one can enjoy with money against the struggle and lack of basic respect one faces in poverty.

This expression is used to mock someone who brags or talks big despite lacking the financial means or the actual capability to back up their claims. It suggests that empty boasting by someone without resources is meaningless and ineffective.

This proverb highlights the cynical reality of materialism. It means that when a person has no money, even those who provide services for a fee (traditionally referring to courtesans) will show no romantic or sexual interest in them, treating them with the platonic distance of a relative. It is used to describe how financial status dictates social and personal relationships.

This traditional saying emphasizes productivity over vanity. It suggests that one should invest more in assets that provide a livelihood or income (like livestock in an agrarian society) and spend minimally on non-productive luxuries like expensive clothing. It is used to advise someone to prioritize essential investments over outward appearances.

In this context, 'Dubbu' refers to a low-denomination copper coin used in the past. The proverb means that a person without financial means is often disregarded by society and treated as worthless or useless. It highlights the harsh reality of how social status is frequently tied to wealth.