కోతి చావు, కోమటి రంకు.

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 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.

This expression describes a situation where someone remains silent or acts as if nothing happened because they are trying to hide a mistake or a guilty secret. In the proverb, a merchant (traditionally avoiding onions for religious/social reasons) eats one and stays quiet to avoid the smell giving him away.

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 refers to a statement or testimony that is ambiguous, non-committal, or clever enough to avoid taking a definitive side. It is used to describe a situation where someone speaks in a way that protects their own interests while technically answering a question, often leaving the listener in confusion.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone experiences a significant loss or problem but chooses to remain silent or suffers in secret without crying out for help, usually to avoid revealing their hidden wealth or secrets. It implies a quiet or concealed catastrophe.

This proverb highlights the inherent resilience or nature of certain entities. A tree provides shade and fruit regardless of external conditions, and a savvy merchant (traditionally referred to as Komati) always finds a way to manage their trade or load without feeling the 'weight' or loss. It is used to describe situations where people are naturally equipped to handle specific hardships or roles.

This expression is used to describe a death or an event that goes unnoticed and unmourned by anyone. It highlights the insignificance of an individual's passing, suggesting that just as no one cries for a common crow, no one cares about the departure of a person who had no social standing or meaningful connections.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone pretends to be deeply saddened or concerned about a loss, but their grief is insincere or motivated by selfish reasons. Historically, a merchant might mourn a monkey not for the animal itself, but for the business loss if the monkey was a performer or attracted customers.

This proverb is used to describe someone who avoids physical confrontation or is perceived as timid and risk-averse. Historically, it refers to the merchant community (Komati) who preferred negotiation or retreat over violence. In modern usage, it characterizes anyone who lacks courage or flees at the first sign of trouble.