ఏనుగు చచ్చినా బ్రతికినా వెయ్యివరహాలే

This proverb warns against complacency or excessive celebration after narrowly escaping a problem. It suggests that while one might have overcome a current crisis, life is unpredictable, and one should remain humble and prepared for future challenges rather than being overconfident.

This proverb emphasizes that a person's true character, reputation, and the impact of their life's work are only fully realized and judged by society after they pass away. It is often used to suggest that one's legacy is defined by how they are remembered by others when they are gone.

This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.

This proverb is used to describe the nature of risks and consequences. It implies that minor accidents (like a canopy falling) are harmless, whereas major disasters (like a house collapsing) are inevitably fatal. It is often used to emphasize that one cannot escape the consequences of a truly large-scale problem, or to put minor issues into perspective.

This expression is used to describe someone or something of immense value, status, or reputation that remains significant regardless of their current state or circumstances. Just as an elephant provides labor while alive and valuable ivory/hides after death, a great person's legacy or a high-quality asset continues to command respect and value even after its prime.

This expression is used to remind others of the inevitability of death. It suggests that since no one lives forever, one should focus on living a meaningful life or doing good deeds while they are still alive, rather than worrying excessively about the end.

This proverb highlights the destructive power of stress and constant worry (chinta). While a funeral pyre (chiti) only consumes a person after they have passed away, mental anxiety and grief consume a person while they are still alive, destroying their peace and health. It is used to advise someone against excessive worrying.

This proverb emphasizes that human life and destiny are governed by actions and natural laws rather than just the words of others. It suggests that mere words—whether malicious curses or benevolent blessings—do not have the power to change one's fate or physical reality. It is used to encourage people to ignore empty threats or not rely solely on praise.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone achieves great things or survives long hardships, only to fail or suffer an ignominious end due to a trivial mistake or at the very last moment. It signifies an anti-climactic or disgraceful conclusion to an otherwise long or significant journey.

This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.

Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.