ప్రదక్షిణాలు చేస్తే బిడ్డలు పుడతారంటే, చుట్టు చుట్టుకు కడుపు చూచుకొన్నదట

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 contrasts the nature of love and expectations. A mother's concern is primarily for her child's well-being and whether they have eaten (the stomach), reflecting selfless care. In contrast, a wife is traditionally depicted as looking at the 'back' to see what her husband has brought home (burdens or earnings), symbolizing the practical expectations and responsibilities within a marriage.

This proverb contrasts the different perspectives of love and dependency. A mother's love is selfless, worrying if her child has eaten enough (stomach), whereas a wife's perspective (historically in this context) might be focused on the provisions or earnings the husband brings home (the load on the back). It highlights the transition from being cared for to having responsibilities.

* 'Ακέφαλος μυθος. † II domandar costa poco.

This expression is used to caution someone who is overly confident or celebrating a small success without considering the future challenges or the difficult journey ahead. It highlights the foolishness of being self-satisfied while ignoring upcoming obstacles.

This proverb is used to describe extreme impatience or the unrealistic expectation of immediate results for a process that naturally takes time. Just as walking around a sacred tree (a traditional ritual for fertility) cannot result in an instant pregnancy, many goals require patience and consistent effort rather than instant gratification.

* Een man zonder geld is een schip zonder zeilen.

This proverb is used to mock people who expect instant results for their actions or lack patience. It describes a situation where someone performs a task and immediately expects the final outcome without allowing for the natural time or process required.

This expression refers to someone who is resourceful and makes a living or gains benefits through their cleverness, skill, or tactful maneuvering rather than just hard labor. It describes the art of managing situations to one's advantage.

This expression is used to describe a person who expects immediate results for their actions, even when the process naturally takes time. Just as one cannot expect to become pregnant instantly after performing a religious ritual at a tree, one shouldn't be impatient for results that require time and patience.

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.