నీరుల్లి నీటిలో కడిగితే కంపేడ పోతుంది

This proverb refers to the transient and illusory nature of certain desires or possessions. Just as you cannot hold a woman seen in a dream or grab a reflection in the water, some things in life are unreachable or temporary despite appearing real or attractive.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person faces the same consequence or reputation regardless of the magnitude of their actions. It is often applied to bad habits or wrongdoings, implying that even a small mistake carries the same stigma or negative outcome as a larger one.

* El rio pasado, el santo olvido. † Passato il punto, gabbato il santo.

This proverb is used to describe situations where the negative consequences or the bad reputation remain the same regardless of the magnitude or nature of the act. It implies that once a person is associated with a bad habit or a wrongdoing, people will judge them equally whether they did something small or something large.

This proverb is used to imply that it is natural and inevitable for someone to utilize the resources or opportunities available in their immediate environment. It is often used to suggest that a person in a position of power or proximity to wealth will likely take advantage of it, sometimes hinting at subtle corruption or inevitable influence.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two similar, often cunning or wicked people, join forces. It suggests that their combined influence or conspiracy will spread far and wide, or that their secret dealings will eventually become a messy public affair. It is often used to mock the 'partnership' of two untrustworthy individuals.

This expression is used to emphasize that essential tasks or natural cycles do not stop just because one lacks resources or faces difficulties. It implies that life goes on and necessary actions must be performed regardless of one's financial or social status.

This proverb is used to warn against being overly generous or yielding to every demand. It suggests that if you fulfill every request without discretion, the resources or wealth will be depleted quickly and without leaving a trace, often implying that the recipient will not value it or will waste it.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something disappears or dissolves completely and rapidly without leaving a trace. It typically refers to the quick loss of wealth, resources, or the sudden failure of a plan.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where trying to improve or rectify something fundamentally flawed or inferior only results in more trouble or waste of effort. Just as washing a mud wall will dissolve the dirt and cause dampness (leading to a cold) rather than cleaning it, some efforts are counterproductive.

This proverb is used to convey that it is futile to expect a favor, kindness, or refined behavior from a person who is inherently mean, rude, or incapable of understanding such values. Just as a dog cannot perform a ritualistic gesture like applying kumkum, an unworthy person cannot provide something beyond their nature.