ఇచ్చకాలవారు, బుచ్చకాలవారు పొట్టలకొరకు పొక్కులు గోకుతారు

This proverb describes people who resort to extreme sycophancy or humiliating behavior just to earn a living or gain favor. It highlights how some individuals lose their self-respect and do unpleasant or demeaning tasks (symbolized by scratching someone else's sores) to satisfy their hunger or greed.

This proverb is used to warn against doing something harmful or disgusting just to satisfy or flatter others. It emphasizes that while you might please someone temporarily with flattery or compliance, you are the one who will suffer the consequences and lose your self-respect.

This expression is used to describe a person who is incredibly ungrateful, cynical, or stubborn. It refers to someone who refuses to acknowledge a great sacrifice or a profound truth, instead dismissing it as something trivial or worthless.

This is a sarcastic expression used to warn others about a person who pretends to be holy or spiritual but is actually untrustworthy or likely to steal. It implies that despite the person's lofty talk or appearance, one should be cautious of their belongings.

This expression is used to emphasize that mere talk or empty promises do not produce practical results or satisfy physical needs. It highlights the importance of action over words, often used when someone provides excuses or tall tales instead of providing actual help or food.

We must assist in deeds not in words. (Latin.) Words don't fill the belly. (Portuguese.) * Molto fumo, e poco arrosto. † Re opulentandum non verbis, ‡ Palavras naõ enchem barriga.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone foolishly rewards or empowers the very person who is causing them harm or destruction. It highlights the irony and stupidity of helping one's own enemy or benefactor of one's downfall.

This expression is used to describe an absurd or illogical situation where a person interferes in a matter that they have absolutely no authority or legal standing over. It refers to someone trying to settle or decide an issue that does not involve them at all.

This proverb is used to criticize an educated person who lacks common sense or practical wisdom. It implies that practical knowledge and a sensible approach to life (often attributed to simple workers like a washerman) are more valuable than formal education without the ability to apply it properly or behave appropriately.

This expression is used to highlight a significant disparity in power, status, or strength. It suggests that people of low means or weak standing cannot compete with or assist those who are powerful and well-equipped. It is often used to question the compatibility or parity between two unequal parties.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two opposing parties involved in a conflict or a transaction remain unscathed, while the innocent intermediaries or bystanders suffer the most. It highlights the plight of the middleman or the common person caught in the crossfire of others' actions.