Friendship

This proverb highlights the essential elements for maintaining social and professional ties. Relationships (bandhavyamu) thrive on mutual visits and spending time together, whereas business or trade (vyavaharamu) relies on the fair exchange of goods or services. It suggests that if you stop visiting relatives, the bond weakens, and if you stop trading fairly, the business transaction ends.

This expression is used to describe mutual assistance or small contributions that complement each other. Just as mixing hot and cold water brings them to a comfortable temperature, it signifies how people help one another according to their capacity, or how small favors are returned to maintain balance in relationships.

This proverb highlights the difference between a sycophant and a true well-wisher. Someone who always tells you what you want to hear (making you laugh/happy) might be leading you toward a downfall by ignoring your mistakes. In contrast, a true friend or mentor who criticizes you or tells you harsh truths (making you cry/sad) actually helps you improve and succeed in life.

This expression is used to describe how in close relationships or among people who truly like each other, even jokes, teasing, or minor criticisms are taken in good spirit and perceived as endearing. It highlights that the reception of words depends on the rapport between the people involved.

This expression describes a relationship where people are close enough to eat together or share social meals, but do not share a deep, private, or familial intimacy. It is often used to define the boundaries of a friendship or a formal association where one's private life remains separate.

This expression is used to describe two people or things that are inseparable, highly similar, or closely connected by a common origin. It is often used to refer to siblings who look alike or two friends who are always seen together.

This expression is used to describe a relationship between people (often relatives or friends) who are close enough to eat together or share a meal, but are not close enough to share a household, intimate secrets, or a marital bond. It highlights the boundaries of social intimacy and the distinction between formal friendship and private life.

Each person has his/her own types of odd behavior and thinks that that behavior quite normal. Honest criticism by well-meaning friends can help people in realizing the truth about themselves and take appropriate corrective measures.

This expression is used to describe a long-standing relationship or someone who has been known for a very long time. Just as tamarind chutney (Chintakaya Pachadi) is a staple in Telugu households that improves or maintains its value as it ages, an 'old relative' refers to a familiar, dependable, and deeply rooted connection. It is often used jokingly or affectionately when meeting a relative after a long time or discussing a very old family friend.

This expression describes a situation where one has many connections or resources in theory, but none of them are available or useful when needed. It is used to highlight the irony of having many relatives or friends who do not offer actual help or hospitality during a crisis.

This expression refers to the act of confiding in someone, sharing personal experiences, both good and bad. It is often used to describe deep conversations or the bonding that occurs when people share their life's ups and downs with a trusted person.

This expression is used to convey that physical distance between people (friends, family, or lovers) does not necessarily lead to emotional distance or a lack of affection. Even if individuals are separated by great distances (Amada being an old unit of distance), their hearts and thoughts remain connected.

People are not ready to accept unpleasant (uncomplimentary) truths about themselves. They instantly become angry. It is always a true friend that tells us our faults and helps us correct our conduct. It is the flatterer who hides the truth and cheats us.

This expression means that a true friend or relative is someone who helps you during your times of trouble or crisis. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'A friend in need is a friend indeed.' It is used to emphasize that blood relations are not as significant as those who offer support when life gets difficult.

This expression suggests that a task becomes significantly easier or can be repeated many times more effectively when one has company or support. It highlights the power of companionship and collaboration in overcoming challenges or sustaining effort.

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 proverb emphasizes that kind speech and pleasant behavior can win over anyone. If you speak politely and kindly, the whole world becomes your kin, whereas harsh words alienate even close friends.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of human cooperation and mutual dependency. Just as a tree cannot stand or thrive without its roots, a human being requires the support, companionship, and assistance of fellow humans to succeed and survive in life.

This proverb describes the nature of friendships based on financial status and reciprocity. A merchant (Komati) is friendly as long as you are a customer spending money, whereas an Eediga (historically associated with communal social circles) represents a friendship based on mutual exchange or sharing. It is used to highlight how the dynamics of friendship change based on economic transactions versus mutual benefit.

This expression means that when people are in love or have a strong bond of friendship, they tend to overlook each other's mistakes and flaws. It is used to describe the initial stages of a relationship or deep intimacy where everything the other person does is seen in a positive light.