ధరించేదే శాటి, వరించేదే బోటి

This proverb describes a situation where someone unknowingly invites trouble or creates their own competition out of sheer innocence or lack of foresight. It is used to mock people who take actions that seem helpful or generous but eventually lead to their own downfall or disadvantage.

This expression means that people do not face ruin or downfall simply because others wish it upon them or speak ill of them. It is used to suggest that ill wishes, curses, or malicious talk from others lack the power to cause real harm to a person's life or destiny.

This proverb describes a chain reaction of financial or situational ruin. It illustrates how a delay or a specific failure can affect multiple people in a sequence. In the context of the folk story it originates from, a delay in a wedding or a meal caused the salt and lentils (perishables/goods) to go to waste, but the betel leaf seller suffered the most because those leaves wilt the fastest. It is used to describe situations where one person's misfortune or mistake leads to the downfall of everyone associated with the task.

This proverb warns against the dangers of over-indulgence and vanity. It suggests that excessive affection/pampering can ruin a child's character or reputation, just as trying to walk too gracefully or pridefully can lead to an unnatural or awkward gait. It is used to advise moderation in upbringing and behavior.

This proverb is used to describe situations where a lack of unity or a delay in decision-making leads to the downfall of everyone involved. It specifically refers to how salt spoils lentils when mixed too early, but betel leaves, being highly perishable, ruin the fastest and most completely. It serves as a warning against indecision and the compounding nature of losses in a group.

This proverb is used to criticize people who are lazy or unwilling to put in the necessary effort for a task but still expect the end result or benefits. It highlights that if someone finds the preparation or process too burdensome, they are unlikely to handle the responsibility or consequences that follow.

This proverb warns against the dangers of over-indulgence and lack of discipline. It suggests that when a child or a person is overly coddled (muddu), they may lose their reputation, and when they are too pampered (muripamu), their behavior and character (nadupu) will deteriorate. It is used to emphasize the importance of moderation in affection and the need for discipline in upbringing.

This expression emphasizes the importance of self-preservation and knowing when to retreat. It suggests that it is better to escape a bad situation even if it looks cowardly, rather than staying, getting trapped, and being humiliated or ruined. It is often used to justify leaving a losing battle or a toxic environment before things get worse.

This proverb suggests that it is wiser to avoid a dangerous or compromising situation and be ridiculed for it, rather than getting caught and suffering severe consequences. It emphasizes self-preservation over pride.

It is unwise to spoil the other person, mostly out of ill will, as it will usually result in one’s own destruction.