పడుచుతో సయ్యాట, పాముతో చెలగాట

What is a trivial amusement or a sport for one person might be a matter of life and death or a serious struggle for another. It is used to describe situations where someone's casual actions cause severe distress or harm to someone else.

This proverb refers to a situation where someone commits a mistake but expects to be forgiven easily with a simple apology or a gesture of respect (Dandam), rather than facing a formal punishment. It is often used when minor errors are dismissed without serious consequences due to the status or the simple nature of the person involved.

This refers to a situation when a powerful person/power attacks a weak person/power for self-glorification. It may be merely a (power)game for the powerful, but it will be a question of life and death for the weak.

This expression is used to warn someone that they are engaging in a very dangerous or risky activity that could lead to severe consequences or self-destruction. It is typically used when someone is underestimating a serious threat.

This proverb highlights the essential elements for success in traditional rural life. It suggests that just as an ox is indispensable for productive agriculture, a cooperative and understanding wife is the foundation for a harmonious and successful domestic life.

This proverb describes a situation where one person's amusement or casual action causes extreme suffering or danger to another. It is used to highlight the power imbalance and lack of empathy in certain interactions, reminding people that what is 'just fun' for one might be a matter of survival or deep distress for another.

This expression is used to describe someone who comes from an illustrious or highly skilled background but fails to exhibit any extraordinary talent or greatness themselves. It highlights the irony of having a powerful lineage while remaining mediocre or ordinary in one's own capabilities.

This proverb serves as a warning against excessive extravagance and living beyond one's means. It suggests that a household focused only on constant celebration and wasteful spending, rather than saving or maintenance, will eventually face financial ruin and lose everything.

This expression is used to describe a friendship or association with a dangerous, unpredictable, or untrustworthy person. It implies that being close to such individuals is as hazardous as playing with a venomous snake or practicing with a sharp sword; one must always be on guard because a single mistake or a change in their mood could result in fatal consequences.

This proverb warns that befriending powerful people or rulers is as dangerous as befriending a venomous snake. Just as a snake might bite at any moment regardless of intimacy, a powerful person can turn against you or cause your downfall due to their unpredictable nature and authority.