పాము పగ, తోక చుట్టము

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 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 is a humorous or sarcastic expression used to refer to something that is endless or unnecessarily long. It is often a playful mistake or a trick question, as the Hindu deity Rama does not have a tail; the expression mocks the confusion between Rama and his devotee Hanuman (who has a long tail) or refers to a task that never seems to conclude.

Used to a blundering reader.

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 describes a paradoxical situation where a person might be close to you or appear friendly, but their inherent nature or specific actions are dangerous and hostile. It is used to warn someone about a treacherous person who cannot be fully trusted despite a formal relationship or acquaintance.

This expression describes a situation where both parties in a conflict remain bitter enemies even after the incident is over. The 'snake' is angry because it lost its prey, and the 'frog' is resentful because it was attacked. It is used to illustrate deep-seated, mutual animosity where no reconciliation is possible because both sides feel wronged.

This proverb suggests that people become your relatives or show affection as long as you provide for them (serve food/gifts), and fortune or success is often gained through flattering others. It is used to describe the superficial nature of certain social bonds and worldly success.

While the pot boils friendship blooms. (GERMAN.)*

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.