గుమ్మడికాయల దొంగ అంటే భుజాలు తడుముకున్నట్లు

This expression is used to describe a person who inadvertently reveals their guilt through defensive or nervous behavior when a general accusation is made. It originates from a story where a thief, hearing a general shout about a pumpkin theft, checked his shoulders for traces of ash or marks, thereby identifying himself as the culprit. It is similar to the English idiom 'If the shoe fits, wear it' or 'A guilty conscience needs no accuser'.

A guilty conscience needs no accuser. He that has a muckle nose thinks ilka ane is speaking o't. (Scots.)

This expression is used to describe how people with similar bad habits, questionable characters, or dishonest intentions tend to support and protect each other. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'Birds of a feather flock together' or 'Honor among thieves', often used in a negative context to highlight collusion between wrongdoers.

This proverb highlights that different people react differently to the same situation or criticism. While some take hardship or pressure as a challenge to grow stronger (like the watermelon vine), others are fragile and succumb to it (like the pumpkin). It is used to describe resilience versus fragility in character.

This proverb describes a person who buys something very small or cheap but expects a disproportionately large or valuable item for free (kosaru). It is used to mock someone's unreasonable greed or lack of proportion in dealings.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone demands or expects a free addition (bonus) that is far more valuable or larger than the actual item they paid for. It highlights greediness or unreasonable expectations in transactions.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is willing to endure verbal abuse or harsh criticism as long as there is a tangible material gain or reward at the end. It highlights the preference for practical benefits over temporary insults.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's arrogance, ego, or demands are vastly disproportionate to their actual status, size, or capability. It highlights the absurdity of an insignificant person having an oversized attitude or problem.

This proverb describes someone who is extremely stingy or opportunistic, performing a religious or social obligation only when the necessary materials (in this case, a pumpkin for ritualistic offerings) are obtained for free or by chance, rather than out of genuine devotion or at the proper scheduled time.

This proverb describes a person with a guilty conscience. When a general accusation is made, a guilty person instinctively reacts or checks themselves, inadvertently revealing their culpability. It is similar to the English expression 'If the shoe fits, wear it' or 'A guilty conscience needs no accuser.'

Guilty conscience.

This is a sarcastic or mocking proverb traditionally used to comment on a person's lack of intelligence or common sense, despite their outward appearance. It suggests that if someone's hair grows very long, their brainpower or wisdom is limited, implying a trade-off between hair growth and intellectual growth. It is often used humorously to tease someone who is acting foolishly.