దొరికితే దొంగ, దొరక్కపోతే దొర

This proverb highlights the essential requirements for success in different domains. Just as a rice crop (paddy) cannot thrive without a constant supply of flowing water, a ruler or leader cannot maintain power or achieve victory without a loyal group of followers or an army. It is used to emphasize that resources and support systems must match the nature of the endeavor.

This proverb means that a person's behavior and thinking are dictated by their character and inherent nature. A person with bad intentions will always act according to their devious nature, while a person of noble character will act with dignity and honor, regardless of the situation.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a subordinate or someone in a lower position demands luxuries or basic needs when their superior or the provider is struggling to secure even the bare minimum. It highlights unrealistic expectations or lack of common sense regarding one's current circumstances.

This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves excessively or ridiculously over-cautious when they suddenly acquire something of very small value. It mocks someone who makes a huge fuss over a trivial gain because they are not used to having anything at all.

This expression describes a situation where a person's reputation or status depends entirely on whether their dishonest actions are discovered. It is used to point out hypocrisy or the fact that many people who appear respectable might actually be doing something wrong but simply haven't been caught yet.

This proverb highlights the irony of social status based on being caught. It is used to describe a situation where someone's reputation depends entirely on whether their dishonest actions are discovered. As long as their crimes are hidden, they are respected as a gentleman or 'Dora' (lord), but the moment they are caught, they are labeled a thief.

This proverb highlights the irony of social status and justice. It suggests that if a person commits a large-scale crime but manages to escape or hide it, they are often respected as a great person or leader. However, the one who gets caught, even for a minor offense, is branded a criminal. It is used to comment on the hypocrisy of society and the flaw in identifying criminals solely based on their capture.

This expression is used to describe two people or things that are a perfect match for each other, especially in a sarcastic or negative sense. It implies that for every odd or flawed person, there is a similarly matched partner or counterpart. It is often used to describe couples who share the same eccentricities or negative traits, similar to the English idiom 'every pot has its lid.'

This proverb suggests that no matter how experienced or clever a person is at committing wrongful acts, they will eventually be caught or their secrets will be exposed. It is used to imply that one's past misdeeds or habitual dishonesty will inevitably catch up with them.

This proverb states that a person's character and actions are determined by their innate nature or social standing. It is used to explain that individuals will consistently act according to their established traits or upbringing, whether those are dishonest or noble.