అణిగిమణిగి ఆకులలో పిందెవలె ఉండాలంటే, గుమ్మడిపాదులలో కూర్చుందట

This expression is used to describe someone who stays extremely humble, modest, or inconspicuous, often hiding their true potential or presence to avoid drawing attention. It describes a state of being very quiet, obedient, or submissive in a given situation.

This expression refers to an ideal state of domestic prosperity and harmony. It suggests that resources (grains) should be abundant and preserved, while children should be healthy, active, and cheerful like chirping birds. It is often used to describe a well-settled, happy household.

This expression describes a person who strategically chooses their position to avoid responsibility or danger. Among monitor lizards (which are slow/harmless), they act like a leader (the head), but among dangerous snakes, they act like the tail to stay inconspicuous and safe. It refers to someone who is opportunistic or cowardly, changing their status based on the company they are in.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone knowingly puts themselves in a problematic or crowded spot and then complains about the inevitable negative consequences or criticism they receive.

This proverb is a metaphor for human behavior. It suggests that people with little knowledge, wealth, or substance often boast and make a lot of noise (like light, empty leaf plates blowing in the wind), whereas those who are truly wise, wealthy, or accomplished remain humble and composed (like heavy leaf plates filled with a full meal). It is used to describe the importance of humility and to critique empty arrogance.

The conceit of little knowledge, the humility of true learning. Shaal waters mak the maist din. (Scotch.)

This is a sarcastic or satirical expression used to describe someone who has unrealistic, contradictory, or impossible expectations. It depicts a person who wants to keep their resources (food) untouched while expecting those they are responsible for (children) to stay quiet and still without needing any sustenance. It is used to mock stinginess or illogical management.

To wish for two things opposed to each other. You can't eat your cake and have it too. 15 ( 113 )

This expression is used to describe an impossible or highly selfish desire where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of something without any of the associated costs or natural consequences. In this context, it refers to wanting children to be healthy and grow (like sturdy logs) while simultaneously wishing that they never consume the food in the house. It highlights a paradoxical or stingy mindset.

This expression is used to describe someone who has become quiet, submissive, or suppressed, especially after being very aggressive or defiant previously. Just as a snake becomes still and contained when trapped in a charmer's basket, it refers to a person losing their sting or being forced into obedience.

This expression is used to describe a person who is unreliable, inconsistent, or avoids responsibility at critical moments. It refers to someone who is missing when the food is served (on the leaf-plate) and also missing when the sacred rituals (offerings to ancestors) are performed, implying they are nowhere to be found when needed or that they belong nowhere.

This proverb is used to describe human behavior regarding knowledge and wealth. A person with little knowledge or substance often boasts loudly and makes a lot of noise to get attention, whereas a truly wise or wealthy person remains humble, composed, and silent. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Empty vessels make the most noise.'