పరువుకీ, కరువుకీ డబ్బు

This proverb highlights that borrowing things (especially ornaments or jewelry) for the sake of showing off only brings anxiety and a sense of burden, as one is constantly worried about their safety and eventual return. It is used to advise people to live within their means and be content with what they own.

This expression refers to a situation where one problem is compounded by another useless or counterproductive outcome. Mustard seeds are small and cannot satisfy hunger like food grains can; thus, growing them during a food shortage is futile. It is used when an already bad situation is met with an insignificant or irrelevant solution.

This proverb describes a paradoxical situation where a professional or skilled worker lacks the very thing they produce for others. It is used to highlight irony, such as a doctor who is always sick or a financial advisor who is broke.

This proverb highlights nature's balance and agricultural wisdom. Tamarind trees are drought-resistant and provide food during famines (scarcity), whereas mangoes flourish during their specific season (abundance). It suggests that different things serve different purposes depending on the circumstances, and that one should be prepared for both good and bad times.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one misfortune is followed by another, compounding an already difficult situation. It is similar to the English expression 'When it rains, it pours.'

This proverb highlights the inherent resilience or nature of certain entities. A tree provides shade and fruit regardless of external conditions, and a savvy merchant (traditionally referred to as Komati) always finds a way to manage their trade or load without feeling the 'weight' or loss. It is used to describe situations where people are naturally equipped to handle specific hardships or roles.

This expression emphasizes the principle of reciprocity in social interactions. It means that if you want others to treat you with dignity and honor, you must first treat them with the same respect. It is commonly used as advice to maintain healthy relationships and personal reputation.

This proverb refers to agricultural patterns and nature's balance. It suggests that in years of drought or poor rainfall, mango trees tend to yield a bumper crop (providing food during scarcity), whereas in years of good, timely rainfall, Jamun (Black Plum) trees thrive and produce abundantly.

This proverb highlights the stress and psychological weight of debt. Even if one can buy things on credit easily at a market, the obligation to repay it remains a constant mental burden. It is used to advise people against taking unnecessary loans or living beyond their means.

This expression describes a situation where one is forced to seek a loan or credit during a time of extreme scarcity or crisis. It signifies an act of desperation or a burden upon an already struggling person, as borrowing during a famine is difficult to repay and even harder to obtain.