అల్లులలో మల్లు పెద్ద.

This expression is used to describe a situation where everything is in a state of disrepair or utter failure. It refers to a person or a project lacking the basic resources to function correctly, much like trying to draw water with a snapped rope and a pot full of holes. It signifies total uselessness or an impossible task due to poor tools.

This expression is used to describe a person with extraordinary talent, beauty, or virtue who is found in a humble, poor, or unfavorable environment. It signifies a rare gem hidden in an unlikely place.

A sarcastic expression used to describe a person who boasts about their bravery or status but is actually incompetent or useless in reality. It refers to someone who carries a large weapon for show but doesn't know how to use it or lacks the courage to do so.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to humorously or cynically express the idea that certain things are inherently impossible or rare. Just as it is impossible to find a white crow in nature, the saying suggests that finding a perfectly selfless or trouble-free son-in-law (who doesn't demand special treatment or cause friction) is equally unlikely. It is often used in family contexts to describe the demanding nature of sons-in-law in traditional society.

This proverb highlights how certain losses or neglects can create a false or superficial appearance of growth or prosperity. In the first part, it implies that without a mother's care and balanced feeding, a child might develop a bloated stomach due to malnutrition or poor diet, which is not true health. In the second part, it suggests that unwashed, tangled hair might look voluminous, but it is actually a sign of poor hygiene rather than healthy hair growth. It is used to describe situations where something looks substantial or 'big' only because of neglect or underlying problems.

This proverb describes a person who holds a lowly or insignificant position within an elite or superior group, yet is considered highly influential or superior among a lower or less-privileged group. It is used to mock someone's shifting social status or their tendency to act superior only when among their subordinates.

This proverb describes a double standard or partiality. It refers to a situation where a person criticizes or sees faults in others (comparing their gaze to painful spears) while viewing their own people's similar actions or flaws as harmless, soft, or pleasant (like light popped grains).

This proverb describes an extreme or foolish overreaction to a minor nuisance. It is used when someone gives up something very valuable or essential just to escape a small, manageable problem.

This proverb emphasizes the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. Just as a mother provides care and nourishment to her child, the onion is said to provide health protection equivalent to the care of ten mothers. It is used to highlight the importance of including onions in one's diet for overall well-being.

This proverb highlights how people manage and move on after a loss. It suggests that once the person who feeds and cares for the family (the mother) is gone, one learns to fend for themselves or overeat out of lack of discipline, and that appearances can be deceptive or managed once the initial mourning period ends.