నుదురు భక్తుడు, నోరు తోడేలు

This proverb is used to describe a person who is very eager and cooperative when there is a benefit or reward (like food) but becomes resistant or difficult when it is time to work or be disciplined (like putting on a horse's bridle). It highlights opportunistic or lazy behavior.

This proverb describes a person who is eager and greedy for small, immediate benefits (represented by a handful of boiled snacks/guggillu) but remains silent or fails to act when there is an opportunity for a much larger gain (represented by the entire harvest at the threshing floor/kallam). It is used to mock someone who lacks a sense of proportion or fails to recognize where the real profit lies.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a predator or a dangerous person enters a group of vulnerable, innocent, or defenseless people, causing sudden chaos and destruction. It can also describe a powerful opponent easily overcoming a weak group.

This proverb is used to describe a person who uses a noble cause, a deity's name, or a reputable person's authority as a cover to speak rudely, lie, or serve their own selfish interests. It highlights the hypocrisy of appearing religious or virtuous while having a foul or dishonest way of speaking.

This proverb is used to emphasize that every living being or individual has their own inherent nature and limitations. One cannot change their fundamental character or identity to become something superior or more aggressive, just as a domestic dog cannot possess the majesty of a lion, nor can a timid rabbit become a predatory wolf.

This expression is used to describe a person who seems decent or tolerable as long as they stay quiet, but as soon as they start speaking, they reveal their unpleasant nature, lack of sense, or rude behavior. It emphasizes that for some people, silence is their only redeeming quality.

This proverb describes a situation where a person with bad intentions or a natural conflict of interest offers to help for free, only to exploit the situation for their own benefit. It warns against trusting someone whose inherent nature is to harm the very thing they are offering to protect.

This expression is used to emphasize the importance of hard work. It means that if one does not put in the physical effort or work with their hands, they will not have anything to eat or sustain themselves. It is equivalent to the English saying 'No pain, no gain' or 'He who does not work, shall not eat.'

This expression suggests that a person's intelligence and character remain hidden as long as they stay silent, but as soon as they speak, others can judge their worth, wisdom, or foolishness. It is used to advise caution in speech or to explain how a person's true nature is revealed through their words.

This proverb is used to describe a hypocrite who puts on an outward appearance of piety (often symbolized by religious marks on the forehead) but speaks or acts with cruelty and greed like a wolf. It refers to someone who is deceptive or 'wolf in sheep's clothing.'