Poverty

This expression is used to convey that when a person has no wealth, status, or support from society, God is their only protector and source of strength. It highlights the idea of divine providence for the marginalized.

This proverb highlights two human conditions: first, that human desires and greed never age or diminish even as the body gets old; second, that someone constantly seeking or begging for favors from others can never truly enjoy peace of mind or comfort, as they are always dependent on others' whims.

This expression refers to something precious, beautiful, or talented appearing in an unlikely, poor, or unfavorable environment. It is used to describe a brilliant person born into a poor family or a virtuous person found in a bad neighborhood.

This expression is used to describe extreme job insecurity or temporary positions. Historically, a job in the Golconda Sultanate was considered highly unstable, much like a chameleon's tail which can be shed or lost easily. It signifies that the position can be terminated at any moment without prior notice.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely busy and hardworking, yet their efforts yield no financial gain or productive results. It highlights a state of being pointlessly or unprofitably occupied.

This proverb describes how misfortunes often come in clusters. Just as lice are found in the rags of the poor or in dirty hair, problems tend to multiply when a person is already in a vulnerable or difficult situation. It is used to express that 'troubles never come alone' or to describe the compounding effects of bad luck.

* Peccato confessato à mezzo perdonato.

This is said when one does not live within one’s means. Extravagance is to be avoided at any cost, as it would turn one into a pauper sooner than later.

This proverb highlights the struggle of the working class and the necessity of labor for survival. 'The pot burns' refers to cooking food on a stove, while 'the stomach burns' refers to the pain of hunger. It is used to emphasize that one must work every day to avoid starvation.

This proverb describes a person who lacks the means to earn even a small amount of money (a 'kasu'), yet talks or acts with grand indifference toward large sums (a 'hundred'). It is used to mock someone who is boastful or financially reckless despite being in deep poverty.

This proverb describes a situation where a person who is comfortable or has already satisfied their own needs cannot empathize with the suffering or needs of others. It is used to criticize someone's lack of empathy due to their own self-satisfaction.

This proverb highlights the importance of essential resources in a livelihood. Just as a household feels incomplete and lacks nutrition without dairy cattle, a farm cannot be productive without organic manure. It is used to describe situations where the fundamental elements required for success or prosperity are missing.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has a high social status or a prestigious title, but in reality, they are performing menial tasks or living in poverty. It highlights the contrast between outward reputation and actual condition.

This proverb suggests that for a person with no pride, attachments, or fixed responsibilities, the whole world is their home. It is often used to describe people who are resourceful or nomadic, implying that they can find sustenance or a way to survive anywhere because they are not tied down to a single place or status.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is highly intelligent, wise, and capable, yet suffers from extreme poverty or bad luck. It highlights the irony that intellectual merit does not always guarantee material success or prosperity.

This expression describes a situation where despite putting in a great deal of effort or traveling far to improve one's circumstances, the outcome remains the same or unsatisfactory. It is used when someone's hard work fails to change their basic, often poor, condition.

This proverb describes a person who has grand desires or high aspirations but lacks the basic resources or means to fulfill them. It specifically refers to someone who wants to lead a family life or have comforts while living in extreme poverty, where they don't even have a proper bed, only a simple mat.

This proverb highlights the stress and psychological weight of debt. Even if one can buy things on credit easily at a market, the obligation to repay it remains a constant mental burden. It is used to advise people against taking unnecessary loans or living beyond their means.

This expression is used to describe tasks performed without interest, compensation, or quality because they are being done under compulsion. It implies that when work is forced or unpaid, one cannot expect excellence or a specific value in return.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the effort or investment put into a task is exactly equal to the reward or result gained, leaving no profit or surplus. It refers to a break-even scenario or a hand-to-mouth existence where one works just enough to survive.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb referring to the 'Karti' or solar mansions. Makha and Pubba are crucial periods for rainfall in the Telugu calendar. If it doesn't rain during these specific periods, it signifies a severe drought and a total failure of crops for the season.