పానము పాడైపోయినా, ప్రాణము కుదుట పడదు.

This proverb highlights the unpredictable and potentially destructive nature of bureaucracy and state power in ancient times. It suggests that while a tiger is a known physical danger, the legal or political entanglements with authorities (royalty/government) can be more complex, lingering, and ruinous to a person's life.

This expression emphasizes the supreme value of dignity and self-respect over physical life. It is used to convey that for a person of principles, living with disgrace or humiliation is worse than death.

Take away my good name, and take away my life. Either live or die wi' honour.

This proverb describes a win-win situation or a scenario with very low risk. It refers to a circumstance where the gain is tangible if successful, but the loss is negligible if it fails. It is used when someone takes a chance where they have almost nothing to lose but something to gain.

This expression emphasizes the extreme importance of integrity and keeping one's promises. In traditional contexts, it compares the loss of a person's reputation or honor (symbolized by broken promises) to the irreversible loss of virtue, suggesting that living without honor or credibility is a heavy burden.

This expression describes a state of indecision or a situation where someone is stuck between two choices and ends up benefiting from neither. It is used when a person is inconsistent, unreliable, or fails to commit to a specific path, resulting in total unproductive outcome.

A sarcastic expression used to describe a situation where someone overlooks a major loss or disaster and instead focuses on a trivial or insignificant detail that turned out well. It highlights a misplaced sense of priority or an inappropriate focus on minor aesthetics/outcomes amidst a tragedy.

This expression emphasizes that self-respect and dignity are more valuable than life itself. It is used to suggest that living a life of disgrace or shame is meaningless and that one should prioritize their reputation over survival.

This proverb emphasizes that one's dignity and honor are far more important than physical existence. It is used to inspire integrity and courage, suggesting that it is better to die with honor than to live in disgrace or shame.

This expression emphasizes that self-respect and dignity are more valuable than life itself. It is used to encourage someone to uphold their integrity and reputation even in the face of extreme adversity or life-threatening situations.

This expression describes a person who is extremely clever, calculating, and avoids making mistakes even in compromised situations. It refers to someone who maintains their composure or strategic advantage under any circumstances, never losing their balance or giving others an opportunity to take advantage of them.