నిప్పు బంగారును పరీక్షించును, దౌర్భాగ్యము ధీరచిత్తులను పరీక్షించును.

This proverb is used to emphasize that basic necessities like food are the same for everyone, regardless of their wealth. It suggests that money cannot buy everything and that even the richest person must eat simple grains to survive, reminding people to remain humble and practical about the value of wealth.

This expression is used to describe a person who examines something with extreme, often excessive, detail. It refers to a rigorous or pedantic scrutiny where one looks for even the smallest flaws or nuances, similar to the English idiom 'hair-splitting'.

Applied to a very minute enquiry.

This proverb contrasts the nature of love and expectations. A mother's concern is primarily for her child's well-being and whether they have eaten (the stomach), reflecting selfless care. In contrast, a wife is traditionally depicted as looking at the 'back' to see what her husband has brought home (burdens or earnings), symbolizing the practical expectations and responsibilities within a marriage.

This proverb contrasts the different perspectives of love and dependency. A mother's love is selfless, worrying if her child has eaten enough (stomach), whereas a wife's perspective (historically in this context) might be focused on the provisions or earnings the husband brings home (the load on the back). It highlights the transition from being cared for to having responsibilities.

* 'Ακέφαλος μυθος. † II domandar costa poco.

This expression refers to extreme ingratitude or backstabbing. It describes a situation where someone harms or betrays the person who provided them with protection, help, or a livelihood. It is used to criticize those who bite the hand that feeds them.

This expression describes extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It is used when someone harms or ruins the very person who helped, supported, or saved them in their time of need.

This expression is used when someone is being excessively scrutinized or tested for no valid reason, or when an expert's skills are questioned over trivial matters. It originates from a story where a king tries to test a scholar's wisdom by asking about the properties of his simple copper water pot, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

This expression suggests that while prosperity attracts many acquaintances, shared struggles and hardship create much deeper, unbreakable bonds and true solidarity among people.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is expected to provide help or protection instead causes harm or destruction. It refers to a betrayal of trust or a scenario where a person's lack of support leads to an even more predatory or damaging outcome.

This expression is used to convey a sense of loyalty and gratitude. It highlights that one should never harm or betray their benefactor or savior. It is often used to show a commitment to integrity even when facing temptation.

Save a thief from the gallows, and he will be the first to cut your throat.