Bad Company

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone with poor taste or low standards finds someone of a similar or slightly lower caliber to be exceptional. It suggests that individuals usually associate with or appreciate those who share their own characteristics or level, often used in a derogatory sense to mock the company someone keeps.

This expression refers to someone or something that is in the wrong place or being raised by the wrong people. It is often used to describe a talented or virtuous person born into an unworthy or mismatched family/environment, or a situation where one's true identity is hidden while being nurtured by another.

This proverb refers to finding a place or a group that welcomes those who have been cast out or have abandoned their previous lives. Historically, Vidavalur (a village in Nellore) was metaphorically cited as a refuge for destitute or runaway women. In a broader sense, it suggests that there is always a specific gathering spot or a common destination for people of a similar unfortunate or unconventional status.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has already caused a significant loss or nuisance in the past, yet they return to cause even more trouble. It highlights the frustration of dealing with a recurring problem or a person who does not learn from their previous mistakes and continues to be a burden.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people or things are perfectly matched, often in a negative or sarcastic sense. It implies that a person has found a partner, friend, or situation that is exactly as good or bad as they are. It is similar to the English expression 'Like father, like son' or 'Two of a kind.'

This proverb warns that frequenting inappropriate or suspicious places will lead to damage to one's reputation. Even if one is innocent of any wrongdoing, being in a bad environment invites unwanted blame and scandal. It is used to advise someone to be careful about their company and the places they visit.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where you approach someone out of kindness, goodwill, or a sense of relationship, but they end up becoming a source of trouble, harassment, or a burden. It signifies that a person you expected help or comfort from turned out to be toxic or problematic.

This proverb is used to describe people who are extremely lazy or chronic late-risers. It implies that instead of waking up at dawn, they sleep so late that it is already evening (when jackals typically howl) by the time they get out of bed.

This expression is used to describe someone who gets deeply entangled or hopelessly stuck in a situation or relationship, often to the point of being unable to extricate themselves easily. In Telugu literature, 'Aamani' (spring) represents a time of intense passion, and 'Lanjakadu' refers to a paramour or lover; together they imply a state of being completely absorbed or trapped by attraction or circumstances.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone from within a group or family is causing harm or stealing. It implies that when the betrayal comes from an insider, it is nearly impossible to detect or prevent, as they know all the secrets and have everyone's trust.

This proverb describes a situation where the very people who are supposed to protect and guide someone are the ones teaching them bad habits or corruption. It is used when a person picks up vices from their own guardians or authorities.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a naturally mischievous or restless person becomes even more uncontrollable, chaotic, or hyperactive due to external factors. It is used when someone's existing negative traits are amplified by bad influence or circumstances.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one person's troublesome actions or visits were already causing problems, and now their successor or children have arrived to make matters even worse. It signifies an escalation of nuisance or misfortune brought upon by a specific lineage or group.

This expression is used to describe two people or things that are equally bad, useless, or mischievous. It implies that there is no difference between them as they are both 'two of a kind' or 'birds of a feather.' It is commonly used when comparing two people who are colluding in a wrong act or are equally incompetent.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone loses their dignity or respect due to bad company or misfortune. It illustrates a downfall where instead of receiving honor, a person is humiliated by those far beneath them, or when small initial mistakes lead to a complete loss of stature.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a guest or a person who initially came to help or visit ends up overstaying their welcome or becomes a major nuisance and burden that is hard to get rid of.

This proverb highlights a social observation that when a person loses their wealth or status, friends are often more supportive and less judgmental than relatives. Relatives might look down upon your misfortune or see you as a burden, whereas a true friend is more likely to offer genuine empathy and help without damaging your self-respect.

This expression describes a situation where one person retorts with a similarly petty or derogatory remark in response to an insult. It signifies tit-for-tat behavior or a mutual exchange of worthless or sarcastic comments between two people who are equally matched in their cynicism or circumstances.

This expression is used to describe a person who enters a group or a household and causes constant friction, disputes, or divisions among the members. Just as a porcupine quill is said to cause irritation or bad luck in a home according to folklore, this refers to someone whose presence is destructive to harmony.

This expression describes a hidden, unexpected, and extremely dangerous threat. It is used to refer to a person who appears harmless or is in a close/intimate circle but is actually waiting for an opportunity to strike or cause harm.