కలిగినయ్య గాదె తీసేటప్పటికి, పేదవానికి ప్రాణం పోయినది

This proverb highlights the vital importance of certain elements to an entity's existence. Just as an elephant depends entirely on its trunk for survival and strength, a household's prosperity (Sri) is believed to reside in and depend upon the character, conduct, and well-being of the woman of the house.

This proverb describes a situation where excessive delay or extreme frugality in planning an event leads to the loss of its original purpose or results in another tragedy. It is used when someone takes so much time to organize or save for something that the circumstances change entirely, often making the effort redundant or bittersweet.

This expression emphasizes the supreme value of dignity and self-respect over physical life. It is used to convey that for a person of principles, living with disgrace or humiliation is worse than death.

Take away my good name, and take away my life. Either live or die wi' honour.

This expression is used to describe a situation where help or resources arrive too late to be of any use. It highlights the consequences of unnecessary delay or bureaucracy when someone is in urgent need, emphasizing that even well-intentioned assistance is worthless if it does not meet the required timeline.

This proverb suggests that when a person with no power or resources gets angry, it only hurts them further rather than affecting others. It is used to describe a situation where expressing frustration is futile because the person lacks the influence to bring about change, often resulting in self-inflicted stress or negative consequences for themselves.

This proverb emphasizes the essential quality that gives value or 'life' to certain things. It teaches that a word is only meaningful if it is true, a person's character is defined by their dignity and honor, and a document or letter only gains legal or formal validity through a signature.

This proverb highlights a social and economic irony where the rich often receive more gifts, benefits, or favors from others regardless of the giver's own status. While the wealthy help each other to maintain status, the poor also feel compelled to give to the rich out of social pressure, hope for future favors, or fear. It describes a world where resources naturally flow toward those who already have plenty, rather than those in need.

Who has, is—(Italian.)*

This expression is used to remind others that being economically disadvantaged or lacking wealth does not mean a person lacks self-respect, dignity, or cultural identity. It suggests that poverty affects one's physical needs, but should not diminish their social standing or the respect they deserve.

This proverb describes a situation where someone, driven by desperation or necessity, starts digging up old accounts, grievances, or records to find a way to extract money or settle scores. Historically, a 'Karanam' (village accountant) held power over records; when hungry or needy, he would look into old files to find pending dues or errors to charge someone.

This proverb highlights the persistent nature of greed or the inevitable burden of taxes and expenses. It refers to the tradition of placing a coin on a deceased person's body or paying a fee at the funeral pyre, implying that financial obligations or worldly attachments follow a person until the very end.