Wealth

This proverb emphasizes that rewards and prosperity are the results of hard work, merit, or spiritual discipline. It suggests that one cannot expect to enjoy the benefits or successes of others without putting in the equivalent effort or devotion themselves.

This proverb suggests that ill-gotten gains or stolen wealth never stay with the person who took it; instead, it eventually gets confiscated by authorities or lost to those in power. It is used to imply that money earned through dishonest means will ultimately be wasted or taken away.

This expression is used to describe someone who is exceptionally well-dressed or a situation where things are very decorative and ornate. It highlights a perfect aesthetic combination where both the main element (saree) and the accessory (blouse) are of high quality and beauty.

This expression highlights the fickle nature of human relationships and social status, suggesting that people are often drawn to others only for their money or power. Once the wealth is gone, the respect and relationships often disappear as well.

This proverb is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person. It portrays someone who is so cautious about their possessions that they won't even let a damp cloth touch the earth (to prevent loss of moisture) or risk losing a tiny grain of spice while bending down.

This proverb describes an unstable or extreme financial situation. 'Ugadi' represents a feast and celebration (plenty), while 'Shivaratri' represents fasting and staying awake (poverty/hunger). It is used to describe someone who either lives in luxury when they have money or starves when they don't, lacking a middle ground or consistent lifestyle.

This proverb suggests that if one loses their livelihood or property in their village, they should head to a big city (historically Madras, now Chennai) to find new opportunities and start over. It highlights that large cities provide diverse ways to make a living and survive even when one has hit rock bottom.

This expression is used to describe a situation where money or resources lent or invested are completely lost. It signifies a total loss where neither the profit/interest nor the original capital is recoverable. It is often used as a cautionary remark about bad debts or risky ventures.

While a poor person lacks resources to spend, a miser has resources but refuses to use them for their own comfort or for the benefit of others. Therefore, a miser's life is compared to a barren land (beedu) that is useless despite its existence. It is used to criticize extreme stinginess.

This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. It suggests that one should exert maximum effort in their labor (like a bullock/ox) so that they can eventually enjoy a luxurious and dignified life (like a lord or master) with the rewards of their toil.

This expression suggests that while prosperity attracts many acquaintances, shared struggles and hardship create much deeper, unbreakable bonds and true solidarity among people.

This proverb highlights the transient and unpredictable nature of wealth and prosperity. Just as the milk production of cattle (cows or buffaloes) is seasonal and eventually stops, human wealth and good fortune are also not permanent. It is used to advise humility during good times and to remind one that circumstances can change unexpectedly.

This is a traditional Telugu saying which suggests that a woman who is the sixth child in her birth family brings immense prosperity, luck, and wealth to her husband's family after marriage. It is used to highlight the auspiciousness of such a bride.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who possesses the actual substance or the best parts of something is superior to someone who only has the large, hollow, or useless parts. It emphasizes quality and substance over sheer size or volume.

This expression refers to someone being stingy or haggling over small amounts despite being in a place of immense wealth or abundance. It is used to describe an inappropriate or narrow-minded focus on trivial savings when one is surrounded by riches.

This expression suggests that basic sustenance and wealth (symbolized by 'anna' or rice/food) are the root causes of all other types of arrogance or ego. When a person is well-fed and prosperous, they are more likely to develop pride in other aspects of their life. It is often used to counsel humility or to describe how sudden wealth can lead to boastful behavior.

This proverb describes the traditional rural economy of self-sufficiency. Selling a pig provides a large lump sum of money used to clear long-standing or significant debts, while selling chickens or eggs provides smaller, frequent income to handle daily expenses or immediate small loans.

This proverb highlights that wealth accumulated by a miser, who refuses to spend it on themselves or for good causes, eventually ends up in the hands of the government or unintended, unworthy people after their death. It is used to suggest that hoarding wealth without enjoying it or helping others is futile.

This expression emphasizes that food is the most basic and essential wealth. If one has a meal to eat, they are as rich as a millionaire, highlighting that basic sustenance is more important than extreme wealth.

This expression is used to describe how people tend to become arrogant, boastful, or dismissive of others' struggles once they are wealthy, successful, or have their basic needs comfortably met. It highlights the change in attitude that often comes with prosperity.