కడుపు చించుకుంటే కాళ్ళ మీద పడతాయి

This expression refers to a person whose eyes are bigger than their stomach. It describes a situation where someone takes or orders a lot of food because it looks appealing, but they cannot actually finish it all because they get full quickly. It is used to caution against greed or wastefulness.

This expression is used to mock someone who is being overly dramatic or exaggerating a minor event. It suggests that the person is pretending a tiny, insignificant action (like a kick from a small bird) has caused them deep internal injury or significant distress.

This proverb contrasts the nature of love and expectations. A mother's concern is primarily for her child's well-being and whether they have eaten (the stomach), reflecting selfless care. In contrast, a wife is traditionally depicted as looking at the 'back' to see what her husband has brought home (burdens or earnings), symbolizing the practical expectations and responsibilities within a marriage.

This proverb contrasts the different perspectives of love and dependency. A mother's love is selfless, worrying if her child has eaten enough (stomach), whereas a wife's perspective (historically in this context) might be focused on the provisions or earnings the husband brings home (the load on the back). It highlights the transition from being cared for to having responsibilities.

* 'Ακέφαλος μυθος. † II domandar costa poco.

This expression describes someone who is extremely shrewd, intuitive, or cunning. It refers to a person who can understand a person's hidden intentions or the entire situation with just a small hint or a simple gesture, much like claiming to see one's internal organs just from an open mouth.

This proverb is used to convey that an individual must face and take responsibility for the consequences of their own actions, especially mistakes or wrongdoings. It emphasizes that there is no escape from the repercussions of one's own choices.

This proverb is used to warn that one must face the inevitable consequences of their dangerous or foolish actions. If you knowingly involve yourself in a volatile situation or bad company, you cannot complain when you get hurt.

This expression refers to someone who is resourceful and makes a living or gains benefits through their cleverness, skill, or tactful maneuvering rather than just hard labor. It describes the art of managing situations to one's advantage.

This traditional proverb suggests that certain relationships formed through convenience or external arrangements may lack the genuine legal, social, or biological permanence of original roles. It is often used to imply that something acquired or temporary cannot fully replace the original or legitimate version.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely sharp, shrewd, or overly clever. It refers to a person who can instantly understand someone's hidden intentions or inner thoughts from just a small hint or gesture, even before the other person expresses them.