కోమటి పిరికి, కొట్టితే ఉరికి.

This expression refers to a double-edged or unreliable trust. It is used to describe a situation where someone's loyalty or commitment is solely dependent on their own profit or benefit, suggesting that their allegiance may shift as soon as the circumstances are no longer advantageous to them.

This expression is used to describe a situation of mutual stubbornness or reciprocal indifference. It highlights a tit-for-tat attitude where one party refuses to cooperate or show interest simply because the other party did the same first. It is often used to mock petty pride or a lack of initiative in resolving conflicts.

This expression refers to a 'truth' that is ambiguous, non-committal, or deceptive. It is used to describe a situation where someone gives a diplomatic or evasive answer that seems honest but hides the actual facts to avoid trouble or profit-seeking, much like the stereotypical cleverness attributed to traditional traders.

In a place where there is no leadership or the situation is already beyond repair, incompetent or cunning people end up in charge. It is used to describe a situation where a worthless person assumes a position of authority in a worthless or dysfunctional environment.

Applied to a person who gets on well with his work when there is no one to question him.

This expression is used to describe a statement or evidence that is intentionally vague, non-committal, or deceptive. Just as a merchant might avoid taking a firm side to protect their business interests, 'Komati Sakshyam' refers to a testimony where the speaker avoids giving a direct answer or tries to please both parties without revealing the truth.

This expression is used to highlight symmetry, reciprocity, or equality in relationships or situations. It implies that if one party expects respect, effort, or a certain distance from another, the same applies in return. It is often used to remind someone that a relationship is a two-way street or to point out a redundant or obvious comparison.

Six of one and half a dozen of the other.

This proverb is used to describe how external appearances or sounds can be deceptive regarding a person's true nature or courage. While the crow has a harsh voice and plain appearance, it is bold and resilient; conversely, the cuckoo, despite its sweet and melodious song, is timid and even lays its eggs in other birds' nests because it lacks the courage to raise its own young.

This proverb describes things that are never openly admitted or rarely seen in public. Just as one rarely sees a monkey's dead body (as they are said to hide away when dying) or a merchant's scandal (due to their discreet and cautious nature), some things remain hidden from the eyes of the world.

This proverb is used in a sarcastic or cynical sense to describe a situation where someone's personal burden or expansion becomes a collective responsibility or a source of nuisance for others. Since Jangamas traditionally lived on alms, more children meant more people asking the villagers for food and support, ironically framed here as 'employment' or 'work' for the providers.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive or lacks resilience. It highlights that they react negatively to even the smallest forms of criticism or physical hardship. It can also be used to point out obvious cause-and-effect reactions in human emotions and physical sensations.