దారికి సుంకం చెల్లించమన్నట్లు.

This expression is used to describe an unreasonable or cruel demand for money or taxes from someone who is already struggling with a heavy burden or earning a meager living. It highlights the absurdity of taxing the very basic means of survival or small manual labor.

This proverb describes a situation where one asks for help from someone who is already looking for an excuse to stop working or someone who is waiting for an opportunity to exploit you. A 'Sunkari' (tax collector/village guard) would ideally want to stop you to collect tax; by asking him to help lower your bundle, you are voluntarily stopping and inviting trouble or unnecessary interaction with someone who was already lazy or waiting for a chance to intervene.

This proverb refers to a situation where someone is forced to pay or follow rules only when they are caught or watched. It describes a person who pretends to be upright or arrogant ('binkam') as long as they aren't caught, but becomes submissive or pays the price ('sunkam') the moment they are under observation or caught red-handed. It is used to mock those whose integrity depends solely on being monitored.

This expression describes a person who thick-skinnedly ignores a clear rejection or an order to leave, instead pretending they were invited to stay for a celebration. It is used to mock someone who is unwelcome but refuses to take the hint or is intentionally being stubborn and naive to serve their own interest.

This proverb is used to describe an extremely difficult or exploitative situation where one is taxed or charged for everything they see or do, while everything they possess or produce turns into waste or loses its value. It depicts a state of total loss or high-handedness where there is no benefit remaining for the individual.

This proverb describes a situation where one seeks help from someone who is already negligent, lazy, or looking for an excuse to avoid work. In the olden days, a 'Sunkari' (tax collector) would be looking for any reason to seize goods or cause trouble; asking a sleepy one for help would only result in them waking up to demand taxes or make things harder for you.

This proverb describes a person who behaves dishonestly or illegally when they think they can get away with it, but acts submissive or pays up only when caught. It is used to refer to people who evade rules or taxes as long as they aren't observed, but maintain a facade of arrogance or innocence otherwise.

This proverb describes a state of extreme greed or exploitation where an authority tries to tax or claim everything they lay their eyes on. It also suggests a situation where things have deteriorated to a point where everything useful is being exploited and everything left over is useless waste. It is often used to criticize greedy rulers or systems that leave nothing for the common person.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone asks for help or a basic necessity, but instead of being helped, they are treated cruelly or given something harmful. It highlights the act of adding insult to injury or responding to a genuine plea with a malicious action.

This expression describes an act of extreme greed or unreasonable demands. It refers to a situation where a person who is already struggling with a heavy burden is further troubled by someone demanding taxes or fees for that very labor. It is used when authorities or individuals impose unfair costs on basic necessities or hard-earned work.