వడికితే దారం, వణికితే రోగం

This proverb highlights the irony of social status based on being caught. It is used to describe a situation where someone's reputation depends entirely on whether their dishonest actions are discovered. As long as their crimes are hidden, they are respected as a gentleman or 'Dora' (lord), but the moment they are caught, they are labeled a thief.

This proverb refers to someone who is in a critical, life-threatening situation where they are making desperate promises or sacrifices regardless of the outcome. It is often used to describe a 'win-win' situation for a priest or a middleman who benefits from a person's rituals whether they survive (through land offerings) or pass away (through cow offerings for the soul's journey).

This proverb is used to describe hypocritical people who maintain a respectable image in society as long as their misdeeds remain hidden. It implies that many people are only considered 'honorable' or 'gentlemen' because they haven't been caught yet, highlighting that status often depends on the public eye rather than true character.

This proverb is used to highlight the futility of trying different methods to obtain something that simply does not exist or is unavailable. It suggests that if a substantial effort (sucking) yielded nothing, a superficial effort (licking) will certainly not produce results. It is often used to mock someone who keeps trying pointless alternatives for a hopeless cause.

This expression is used to describe a 'no-win' or 'lose-lose' situation where both possible outcomes are negative or undesirable. It highlights a predicament where the choice is between a minor ailment and a fatal one, implying that there is no truly good option available.

This proverb warns against short-term pleasures or momentary lapses in discipline that lead to long-term suffering or consequences. It is commonly used to advise someone against risky behavior, unhealthy habits, or poor financial decisions that provide instant gratification but result in prolonged hardship.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a minor ailment allows a person to enjoy undivided attention, rest, and care from others without having to fulfill daily responsibilities. It implies that being sick can be a 'luxury' only when one has the resources, help, and comfort to manage it comfortably.

This proverb is used to advise against greed and impatience. Just as glue or paste won't bond properly if you try to lick it or consume it before it sets, tasks or relationships fail if one tries to exploit them prematurely for selfish gain. It means that if you are overly greedy, you will end up losing the very thing you are trying to achieve.

This proverb is used to emphasize that something done greedily, shortcuts, or improper methods will not result in a lasting or quality outcome. It is often applied to work or relationships where integrity is lacking, suggesting that temporary fixes or selfish actions prevent a proper bond or success.

This proverb is used to comment on people who are quick to point out faults or diseases in others while remaining oblivious or indifferent to their own mountain of mistakes. It highlights the irony where a person's significant wrongdoings (measured as 'addedu', an old volumetric unit) are ignored by themselves, even as they criticize minor issues in everyone else.