ఏనుగులు తినేవాడికి పీనుగలు పిండివంటలత్తా?

This expression describes a situation where something is extracted or forced out with great difficulty, very slowly, or in minute quantities. It is often used to refer to someone who is extremely stingy or a situation where getting a result requires an exhausting amount of effort for a very small reward.

* Noli equi dentes insipere donati,

This proverb describes a selfish attitude where an individual takes great care of their own property (treating it like a precious elephant), but neglects or treats shared/collective property with total disregard (like a worthless corpse). It is used to criticize people who lack a sense of responsibility toward public or joint assets.

This proverb is used to describe how there is always someone more extreme, greedy, or skilled than oneself. It serves as a reminder that no matter how big a person's actions or appetite (metaphorically) may be, they will eventually encounter someone who surpasses them in those very traits.

This expression is used to describe a lazy person who shows no energy or interest when it comes to doing work (acting like a lifeless corpse), but displays immense appetite and enthusiasm when it is time to eat (acting like a hungry elephant).

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is so greedy or heartless that they try to extract benefit or profit from a tragic, miserable, or desperate situation. It reflects a state of utter exploitation or extreme pettiness in a moment of sorrow.

This proverb is used to describe someone who has committed massive crimes or blunders and views smaller offenses as insignificant. It can also refer to people with extreme habits or capabilities for whom minor challenges are trivial.

A thoroughly bad man won't stick at trifles.

This proverb highlights the irony of human traditions where people spend extravagantly on funeral rituals and feasts for the deceased, often by borrowing money, which leaves the surviving family members in deep financial distress. It is used to criticize performative social customs that prioritize ritualistic honor over the practical welfare of the living.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has committed massive frauds or handled enormous tasks, for whom smaller wrongdoings or minor challenges are trivial. It signifies that someone who has dealt with something huge will find small things insignificant or easy to handle.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely greedy or has a huge appetite when it comes to consuming resources or food, but becomes completely useless, lazy, or inactive when it is time to do any work.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely greedy, stingy, or exploitative, particularly someone who seeks to benefit or make a profit even from a tragic or pathetic situation. It refers to taking advantage of someone else's misfortune.