Cunning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone asks for helpful advice or a solution to a problem, but receives a suggestion that is destructive, harmful, or worsens the situation rather than solving it. It highlights the foolishness or malice of a bad advisor.

This expression is used to mock people who tell tall tales or exaggerate trivial events as if they are miraculous. It highlights how minor or common occurrences are sometimes presented as extraordinary feats to deceive or impress the gullible.

This expression describes a person who takes undue advantage of a small opportunity or a brief moment of distraction to settle in or create a large burden for others. It is used when someone cunningly makes themselves comfortable or inserts their own agenda the moment they find a little space or time.

This proverb describes how different characters handle trouble. A monkey makes its wound worse by constantly picking at it (Brahma-Rakshasa refers to something uncontrollable). Similarly, the hidden malice or suppressed anger of a deceptive, silent person (nalimuchu) is even more dangerous and agonizing, like a jagged saw. It is used to warn that small problems or quiet people can become extremely destructive if mishandled.

This proverb describes a situation where someone performs a transaction or gives something, but then immediately starts calculating, inspecting, or being overly suspicious and meticulous about what they get in return. It implies a lack of trust or an obsessive nature in dealings, often used when someone tries to find faults or re-evaluate a deal that is already done.

This expression is used to describe an action that highlights or makes something very obvious and prominent. Just as a saddle is immediately noticeable on a white horse, a particular behavior, flaw, or merit becomes strikingly apparent in certain situations. It is often used to refer to someone trying to hide something that is impossible to conceal or making a choice that draws unnecessary attention.

This expression refers to the act of discouraging or demoralizing someone while appearing to help them. It originates from the Mahabharata, where King Shalya acted as Karna's charioteer but constantly praised the enemy and undermined Karna's confidence with demotivating remarks. It is used to describe backhanded support or psychological sabotage.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people who are equally crafty, shrewd, or deceptive are communicating or collaborating. It implies that when two cunning individuals meet, they understand each other's hidden motives and tricks perfectly. It is often used to describe a partnership where both parties are trying to outsmart others or are perfectly matched in their mischievous nature.

This expression is used to describe a person who appears innocent, gentle, or harmless on the outside (like a goat) but is actually dangerous, treacherous, or wicked on the inside (like a tiger). It is the Telugu equivalent of the English idiom 'A wolf in sheep's clothing'.

This proverb highlights the human tendency to favor the new or the younger generation over the old. It describes a situation where the mother-in-law (representing the old/worn out) is discarded or undervalued, while the daughter-in-law (representing the new/productive) is meticulously valued and welcomed. It is used to mock people's opportunistic or biased nature.

This expression refers to pragmatism and opportunism. It suggests that success justifies the means—if a plan or a claim succeeds, people accept it as truth or a valid strategy, but if it fails, it is dismissed as a lie or a mistake. It is often used to describe how results dictate the perception of a situation.

This expression is used to describe a statement or evidence that is intentionally vague, non-committal, or deceptive. Just as a merchant might avoid taking a firm side to protect their business interests, 'Komati Sakshyam' refers to a testimony where the speaker avoids giving a direct answer or tries to please both parties without revealing the truth.

This expression is used to convey that someone is highly experienced, clever, or not easily deceived. By saying a 'goldsmith' (a professional expert) did the piercing, the speaker implies they have been seasoned by experts or have seen enough of the world to know better than to be fooled.

This proverb describes opportunistic people who show respect or behave submissively only as long as they need a favor or help from someone. Once their purpose is served or the task is finished, they immediately change their attitude and treat the benefactor with indifference or disrespect.

This proverb describes someone who is extremely cunning, manipulative, or versatile in making excuses. It refers to a person who can adapt their behavior or arguments to any situation just to get their way—if you try to catch them one way, they twist out of it; if you try another, they bind you instead.

This proverb describes a person who is naturally lazy but looks for excuses to avoid effort. Just by seeing a horse (a means of transport), the person pretends their legs hurt so that they can get a ride instead of walking. It is used to mock someone who suddenly acts weak or incapable when an easy way out presents itself.

This proverb describes a situation where someone attempts to intimidate a powerful or stubborn opponent using weak, ineffective, or indirect methods. Just as a cat isn't truly frightened by the sound of a winnowing basket being struck, the person being targeted is unlikely to be moved by such empty threats or superficial actions.

This expression is used to describe people who take undue advantage of one's kindness, friendliness, or leniency. It suggests that if you are too approachable or fail to set boundaries, others may become over-familiar or disrespectful, crossing their limits.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone not only causes initial harm or ruin to another person but also takes extra steps to ensure their complete downfall or prevent them from recovering. It is similar to 'adding insult to injury' but with a focus on deliberate, repeated sabotage.

This expression is used to describe a person taking advantage of a busy or chaotic situation to accomplish their own personal tasks or selfish motives unnoticed. It is similar to the English concept of 'making hay while the sun shines,' but often carries a slightly opportunistic or sneaky connotation.