కుంటివాని తిప్పలు కుంటివానికి, గూనివాని తిప్పలు గూనివానికి

This proverb highlights how people's attitudes are shaped by their circumstances. A person with no possessions or status often acts with great courage or recklessness because they have nothing to lose (tempu), whereas a wealthy or powerful person may become stubborn or obstinate (mondi) because of their ego or desire to protect what they have.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the struggle or hard work an individual undergoes is only truly understood by God or the person for whom the work is being done. It is similar to saying 'Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.'

This proverb suggests that a person's true nature, hidden flaws, or secret skills are only revealed under specific circumstances or when they are in a certain position. Just as a hunchback's physical deformity is most apparent or uniquely positioned when they lie down, some things can only be judged or understood when the right situation arises.

This proverb highlights the importance of effort and responsibility. It suggests that a person who is unwilling to perform basic labor or fulfill their duties does not deserve the rewards or status that come with them. It is used to mock lazy or incompetent individuals who demand privileges without doing the necessary work.

This proverb contrasts physical labor with strategic or steady placement. It suggests that someone who stays focused or 'sits' (often referring to a landowner or a steady worker) accumulates heaps of grain or wealth, whereas someone who wanders aimlessly or works without a plan faces hardships and troubles. It is used to highlight the rewards of stability versus the difficulties of being unsettled.

This proverb describes someone whose influence, power, or capabilities are very limited in scope or geography. It is used to mock someone who acts superior or authoritative within a small, safe circle but has no relevance or ability beyond those immediate boundaries.

This proverb suggests that individuals who have physical limitations or disadvantages often compensate for them by developing sharper wits, cleverness, or sometimes manipulative tendencies. It is used to describe someone who uses their cunning to overcome obstacles or to get their way when they cannot do so through direct strength or action.

This expression is used to describe a period of collective misfortune or a series of calamities affecting a whole region or nation. It implies that when times are bad, hardships become widespread and inevitable, often used when discussing economic crises, natural disasters, or political instability.

This proverb conveys that only the person suffering from a specific problem or hardship truly understands its depth and the unique ways they have to cope with it. It is used to emphasize that outsiders cannot fully grasp someone else's personal struggles or the adjustments they must make to survive.

Every man kens best where his own shoe pinches. ( Scotch.)

This expression is used to describe a period of extreme adversity, crisis, or misfortune affecting an entire society or region. It suggests that both the times (destiny) and the land are undergoing severe trials, often used in literary or dramatic contexts to lament widespread suffering, political instability, or natural calamities.