ఆకలిగొన్నమ్మ ఎంగిలికి రోయదు

This expression refers to someone who is extremely stingy or miserly. It describes a person who does not even eat properly (to avoid spending) nor do they ever offer a single morsel of food to others. It is used to criticize someone's lack of charity and their extreme parsimony.

In traditional social contexts, 'engili' (saliva contact) is often considered impure. This proverb highlights specific exceptions where the rules of ritual pollution are ignored or deemed inapplicable—specifically for a smoking pipe/cigar and the intimacy between a husband and wife. It is used to justify certain behaviors or to point out that some things remain unaffected by common taboos.

This proverb implies that if the people closest to someone (like family or protectors) do not respect or care for them, one cannot expect strangers or outsiders to do so. It is used to highlight that our own people's attitude towards us sets the tone for how the world treats us.

This expression describes a situation where despite immense hard work and physical labor, one's rewards or results remain meager and insufficient for a decent living. It is used to highlight poverty, lack of growth, or exploitation in a workplace.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely generous or charitable. It implies that as soon as they have something, they give it away to others without hesitation, leaving nothing 'soiled' or 'lingering' for themselves.

This proverb refers to someone who is constantly busy with work or a business where certain strict rules or taboos (like ritual purity in a kitchen) are practically impossible to follow. It is used to suggest that for those who serve the public or perform labor-intensive tasks, utility and necessity take precedence over minor formalities.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a strong or influential person is suddenly and unexpectedly overcome by an even more powerful force. Just as a strong bull in an open field seems invincible but is easily taken down by a tiger, it refers to the sudden downfall of someone who was previously in a position of strength or security.

This proverb is used to highlight that certain urgent or sacred duties transcend the usual social rules of ritual purity or contamination. It implies that in extreme circumstances or during specific high-priority tasks, one should not be overly pedantic about minor rules of hygiene or traditional taboos.

This proverb highlights the importance of practical solutions over theoretical or spiritual ones when dealing with basic survival needs. It is used to point out that when someone is in dire need of physical help or resources (like food), offering them words, poetry, or advice is useless and insensitive.

This proverb describes a situation where someone, driven by desperation or necessity, starts digging up old accounts, grievances, or records to find a way to extract money or settle scores. Historically, a 'Karanam' (village accountant) held power over records; when hungry or needy, he would look into old files to find pending dues or errors to charge someone.