మీరిలేని చుట్టం వస్తే, మిడకక తెల్లారదు

This proverb is used to question the nature of a relationship. It asks whether a person is a genuine blood relative (pegu chuttam) who cares out of love, or a 'fair-weather friend' (pettu chuttam) who is only around for financial gain, gifts, or personal benefit. It is often used when someone shows sudden interest in a person's life only when they become wealthy or influential.

A table friend is changeable. (French.)‡ * Vache de loin a lait asses. † Geluk en glas brekt even ras. ‡ Ami de table est variable.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is treated with total disregard or lack of respect because they are perceived as unimportant or overly familiar. It is used when hospitality is minimal or insulting, or when someone is given a useless or broken item instead of a proper one due to their low status in the eyes of the host.

This proverb describes a state of extreme poverty where a person barely has enough to feed themselves (potta ganji). When a guest arrives, the host feels distressed or sorrowful because they lack the resources to offer hospitality or even share their meager meal. It is used to illustrate situations where one's own survival is so precarious that any additional social obligation becomes an unbearable burden.

This proverb is used to describe a stingy person who prioritizes their food or resources over hospitality. It highlights the conflict between the desire to be a good host and the reluctance to spend money or share provisions.

This proverb highlights the feeling of isolation and lack of support. Just as a farm without a tree offers no shade or respite for a farmer, a village where one has no relatives or friends offers no emotional support or belonging. It is used to describe situations where one feels lonely or lacks a support system in a particular place.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a major defect or a harsh truth cannot be hidden for long, no matter how much one tries to conceal it initially. Just as a son-in-law might hide his vision problems during the night of the wedding, the truth inevitably comes to light when circumstances change (daylight). It is applied to deceptive situations or hidden flaws that are bound to be exposed eventually.

This proverb describes people who pretend to be relatives or close friends only when they want something or have a selfish motive. It mocks those who establish connections based on greed or immediate material gain rather than genuine affection.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone goes to help or visit someone with good intentions, but ends up being treated poorly or harassed by everyone there. It highlights a complete lack of hospitality or a situation that turned unexpectedly hostile.

This proverb suggests that when a person is in a difficult situation or facing bad times, they might have to humble themselves or seek help from someone they normally look down upon to get their work done. It emphasizes the importance of pragmatism and patience over pride during adversity.

This expression describes people who offer verbal sympathy or make grand promises but disappear when actual help or hospitality (like providing a meal) is required. It refers to someone who is friendly only on the surface and avoids the responsibility of true friendship or kinship.