నక్కను చావగొట్టి లొట్టిని తగిలించినట్టు

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone loses a significant reward or ruins a great effort for the sake of a very small, insignificant temptation. It refers to someone who observes a strict religious fast but breaks it just to lick a tiny bit of food left on a serving spoon, thereby losing the spiritual merit of the entire endeavor for a trivial gain.

This expression means that even if a person of great stature or character falls on hard times or loses their wealth, their inherent dignity, skills, and fundamental nature remain unchanged. It is used to describe someone whose core identity and respect remain intact despite a change in their external circumstances.

This expression is used to describe an act of repetitive or redundant effort. It refers to someone who keeps attacking or criticizing a person or a situation that is already defeated or resolved, essentially wasting energy on something that no longer poses a threat or needs further action.

This expression suggests that one must adapt to their surroundings and the company they are in to survive or succeed. It is similar to the English proverb 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' but with a specific emphasis on using cunning or matching the behavior of those around you, especially when dealing with shrewd people.

This expression is used to describe a situation or a person that is stuck in a state of limbo, causing prolonged distress or inconvenience to others. It refers to a problem that doesn't get resolved but continues to linger, or a person who occupies a position without being productive, preventing others from taking over.

This expression is used to describe a person who lives a life of misery, humiliation, or constant struggle (like a stray dog) and meets a lonely, dishonorable, or miserable end (like a fox). It signifies a life and death devoid of dignity or respect.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's plans or expectations are completely ruined or blocked at the very last moment, often resulting in great disappointment. It is similar to the English idiom 'to take the bread out of someone's mouth'.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has experienced a certain pleasure, profit, or benefit and refuses to give it up or leave the source, despite facing hardships, insults, or punishments. It highlights how difficult it is to break a habit or detach someone from a lucrative situation once they have experienced its taste.

This proverb refers to someone who is extremely stingy or overly meticulous in a petty way. It describes the absurdity of tracking expenses or expecting repayment for acts of kindness or duty performed for close family members, where unconditional love should prevail over accounting.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who has experienced a particular pleasure, benefit, or profit will persist in seeking it despite facing hardships, punishments, or obstacles. It is often used to refer to people with stubborn habits or those who keep returning to a place where they found success or enjoyment.