పుట్టిన పిల్లలు బువ్వకు ఏడిస్తే, అవ్వ మొగుడికి ఏడ్చిందట.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is being overly demanding or spoiled due to excessive affection, while the reality of their situation or their behavior is actually inviting punishment. It is used to caution against over-indulging children or individuals who do not realize that their stubbornness will lead to negative consequences.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone ignores the basic or urgent needs of those dependent on them to pursue their own inappropriate or selfish desires. It highlights a complete lack of priorities and responsibility.

This expression is used to describe someone who is being hypocritical or manipulative. It depicts a person who recites the names of God (Keshava, Narayana) to appear pious or selfless, but immediately shifts to a selfish, basic demand for food (buvva). It is often used to mock people who pretend to be spiritual or elevated while their true intentions are entirely materialistic or self-centered.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is being extremely selfish or insensitive to a major crisis. It highlights a person pursuing their own petty or inappropriate desires while those around them are suffering from basic, urgent needs.

This proverb highlights the destructive nature of envy and self-pity. It suggests that being jealous of others' success and constantly lamenting one's own misfortunes leads to total ruin and loss of perspective. It is used to advise people to focus on their own growth rather than comparing themselves to others.

* Anlourd 'hui roi, demain rien. † Heut' im Puts, morgen im Schmutz.

This proverb describes a situation where there is a stark contrast between basic needs and superficial desires. It is used when someone asks for luxuries or trivial things while another person is struggling for basic survival or facing a serious crisis.

This proverb describes a situation where one person is mourning a great loss while another person is only interested in how they can selfishly profit from that tragedy. It highlights the contrast between genuine grief and cold-hearted opportunism.

It is an ill wind that blows nobody good.

This expression is used to describe someone showing fake grief or insincere sympathy. Historically, the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in some households was seen as antagonistic; therefore, the daughter-in-law's crying is perceived as a mere formality or 'crocodile tears' rather than genuine sorrow.

This proverb describes a situation where different people have completely different priorities based on their self-interest. While one person is suffering a deep emotional loss (the death of a child), another person involved is only concerned with their own petty material gain or professional fee (the cost of the burial). It is used to highlight human selfishness or the lack of empathy in business transactions during tragic times.

Crows bewail the dead sheep and then eat them.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone with no legitimate claim or status demands luxuries or expensive items, while those who are actually entitled or in need are struggling for basic necessities. It highlights the audacity of making unreasonable or extravagant demands when the basic needs of others are not being met.

An unreasonable request at an inopportun time.