కలిమి ఉన్నంతసేపే బలగం, కండ ఉన్నంతసేపే మిండడు

kalimi unnantasepe balagam, kanda unnantasepe mindadu

Translation

Relatives stay as long as there is wealth, a lover stays as long as there is physical strength.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the transient and opportunistic nature of human relationships. It suggests that most people surround you only for their own benefit; relatives and friends stick around for your money, while romantic interests may stay only for physical vitality or prowess. Once these assets are gone, the people often disappear.

Related Phrases

Wealth is the paramour of all castes.

This proverb suggests that wealth transcends social hierarchies and caste boundaries. It implies that a person's financial status often carries more weight and influence than their traditional social standing or lineage, effectively stating that 'money is the ultimate power'.

A rich man is sought after by all. Rich people are every where at home. (German.)†

A dispute between a husband and wife lasts only as long as it takes to cook millet.

This proverb highlights the temporary and fleeting nature of domestic quarrels between a married couple. Kodo millet (arika) cooks very quickly; similarly, the disagreement between a couple is expected to resolve by the time their next meal is prepared, suggesting that they shouldn't hold grudges.

A quarrel between a husband and wife lasts only as long as a green gram stays on a mirror.

This proverb highlights the transient nature of domestic disputes between couples. Just as a small, smooth seed like a green gram cannot find a grip and quickly slides off a slippery surface like a mirror, a disagreement between a married couple is expected to be fleeting and will resolve itself very quickly.

As long as there is breath, there will be hope

This expression signifies that one should never give up or lose hope as long as they are alive. It is used to encourage perseverance and optimism even in the most difficult circumstances, suggesting that possibilities for change or success exist until the very end.

A dog's behavior remains calm only as long as it is in the fireplace ash pit.

This proverb is used to describe a person whose nature or bad habits are only temporarily suppressed due to their current circumstances or surroundings. Just as a dog stays quiet and still while enjoying the warmth of the warm ashes in a fireplace (dalikunta) but returns to its restless or barking nature the moment it leaves, some people only behave well when it is convenient or comfortable for them.

A husband as long as he is on the bed, but Death (Yama) once he steps down.

This expression describes someone who is affectionate or kind only when they want something (often sexual or personal favors) but becomes cruel, rude, or indifferent once their need is met. It is used to highlight hypocrisy and selfish behavior in relationships.

Flies swarm only as long as there is jaggery

This proverb is used to describe fair-weather friends or opportunistic people. It suggests that people will surround you and act as your friends only as long as you have wealth, power, or something to offer them, and they will disappear once your resources are gone.

As long as it lasts, a lie feels like a celebration

This proverb suggests that lying or dishonesty might provide temporary pleasure, success, or excitement as long as the truth is hidden. However, it implies that this happiness is fleeting and will eventually lead to trouble once the deception is uncovered. It is used to warn someone that the joy derived from falsehood is not sustainable.

As long as there is wealth, there are followers; as long as there is physical strength, there is a lover.

This proverb highlights the transient and opportunistic nature of human relationships. It suggests that people often stay around others only for selfish reasons—either for money or physical attraction—and may desert them once those assets are gone. It is used to describe fair-weather friends or superficial bonds.

Wealth does not stay in a house where there is constant complaining or misery.

This proverb suggests that prosperity and fortune avoid homes filled with negativity, sorrow, or a lack of contentment. It emphasizes that a positive and harmonious environment is necessary for wealth and well-being to flourish.