ఆడలేక మద్దెల ఓడు అన్నట్లు

This proverb refers to claiming something that is unstable, temporary, or bound to disappear. The Penna river is known for its shifting sands and flash floods; claiming a 'Maanyam' (tax-free land) in its bed is futile because the river can wash it away at any moment. It is used to describe unreliable promises or investments in highly volatile situations.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one person seeks sympathy for their troubles from someone who is actually suffering even more. In the metaphor, the mortar is hit on one side, but the drum (maddela) is beaten on both sides. It highlights the irony of complaining to someone in a worse position.

This expression emphasizes that knowledge and skill bring weight to one's words. It suggests that when someone speaks after truly learning or mastering a subject, their words carry authority and wisdom, distinguishing them as a capable or clever person (Neravaadi).

This proverb describes a situation where someone asks a very basic or silly question about something they have been involved in or practicing for a long time. It highlights ignorance, lack of attention, or a failure to grasp the fundamentals despite long-term exposure.

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to gain practical skills or experience through theoretical study alone, without ever entering the actual field of action. Just as one cannot learn to swim without getting into the water, certain tasks cannot be mastered without real-world practice.

Borrowing used to be viewed as undesirable in the past. People, now under the influence of consumerism, want to live on their future income. It is still wisdom to be neither a borrower nor a lender, in the words of Shakespeare.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent or inexperienced person tries to do something simple or enjoy a rare treat, but ends up being blamed for something wrong or getting into unexpected trouble. It signifies bad timing or being caught in a streak of misfortune.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks skill or makes a mistake, but blames their tools, environment, or others instead of admitting their own incompetence. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'

This expression is used to suggest that it is better to hear something blunt or even incorrect rather than being given false promises or misleading information that is never fulfilled. It emphasizes the frustration of broken commitments.

This proverb is used to describe a person who blames their tools, environment, or other people for their own lack of skill or failure. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'