పాము చుట్టము, పడిగ పగ

This proverb is used to question the nature of a relationship. It asks whether a person is a genuine blood relative (pegu chuttam) who cares out of love, or a 'fair-weather friend' (pettu chuttam) who is only around for financial gain, gifts, or personal benefit. It is often used when someone shows sudden interest in a person's life only when they become wealthy or influential.

A table friend is changeable. (French.)‡ * Vache de loin a lait asses. † Geluk en glas brekt even ras. ‡ Ami de table est variable.

This expression is used to describe a persistent problem, a dangerous person, or a bad habit that is impossible to ignore or escape from without suffering some damage. It suggests that once you are entangled with something inherently harmful, the negative consequences are inevitable.

This proverb describes a hypocritical or double-faced person who acts like a friend or well-wisher to one's face (the head) but secretly harbors malice or causes harm behind their back (the tail). It is used to warn someone about people whose intentions are not consistent.

This proverb is used to describe deep-seated, long-lasting enmity. It implies that just as a snake is believed to carry a grudge for a long time, some rivalries are permanent and cannot be easily resolved. It is often used to warn someone about an unforgiving enemy who waits for the right moment to strike.

This expression describes a person who is completely alone in the world, having neither family/kinsmen to visit nor any spiritual or religious belief/deity to turn to for solace. It is used to signify extreme loneliness or a state of being a total outcast.

Utterly destitute.

This expression is used when someone or something is already causing a loss or leaving, and while doing so, they cause further damage or take something valuable along with them. It describes a situation where an existing misfortune is compounded by an additional, unnecessary loss.

This proverb highlights the transitory or unreliable nature of certain things. Just as the castor oil plant is too small and thin to provide substantial or lasting shade, a son-in-law's primary allegiance is to his own family, making his presence in the natal family's affairs temporary or unreliable in the long run. It is used to caution against over-dependence on people or things that lack depth or permanence.

This proverb describes people who pretend to be relatives or close friends only when they want something or have a selfish motive. It mocks those who establish connections based on greed or immediate material gain rather than genuine affection.

This expression describes people who offer verbal sympathy or make grand promises but disappear when actual help or hospitality (like providing a meal) is required. It refers to someone who is friendly only on the surface and avoids the responsibility of true friendship or kinship.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an inevitable danger or a malicious person cannot be expected to show mercy. It implies that if you associate with or get trapped by something inherently harmful, you must face the consequences.