ఆపత్తి మొక్కులు, సంపత్తి కుంట్లు

This humorous proverb describes people who have no work or higher purpose other than thinking about their next meal as soon as they wake up. It is used to mock laziness or an obsession with eating over being productive.

This proverb describes human nature where people pray fervently and make many promises to God or others when they are in trouble, but completely forget those promises once they become wealthy or their problems are solved. It is used to criticize ungratefulness or fair-weather devotion.

This proverb refers to a situation where two people or objects are perfectly matched in terms of toughness, stubbornness, or quality. Just as a stone pot is strong enough to withstand being stirred by a heavy iron ladle, this expression is often used to describe two equally difficult or strong-willed individuals dealing with each other.

This expression is used to suggest that help or advantages received in the past do not guarantee future benefits. It emphasizes that every situation is unique and needs to be handled individually, often used when someone expects past favors to repeat themselves indefinitely.

Eaten bread is soon forgotten.

This expression refers to the long-standing or eternal nature of commitments made to divine entities. It is used to describe tasks or obligations that take a very long time to fulfill, or to imply that divine justice or promises have no expiration date and must eventually be honored.

This proverb describes a situation where the head of the family (husband) is away or has abandoned responsibilities (symbolized by going to the pilgrimage site Tirupati), while the wife manages the household by taking debts or relying on social standing (credit). It is used to mock families that maintain an outward show of status while being financially unstable or lacking internal coordination.

This proverb describes a fickle human tendency: people pray fervently and make many vows to God or seek help when they are in trouble, but as soon as they become prosperous or their problems are solved, they completely forget their promises and the help they received. It is used to critique ingratitude or situational devotion.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It implies that every action has a corresponding consequence and that one cannot expect good results from bad actions or vice-versa. It is used to remind someone that their current situation is a direct result of their past deeds or character.

A chip of the old block. He that was born of a hen loves to be scratching. (French.)† * Après la fête on gratte la tête. † Qui naît de geline il aime à grater.

This expression refers to a person who starts many tasks simultaneously but finishes none of them efficiently, or someone who keeps people waiting by jumping from one job to another. It originates from the practice in Tirupati where barbers, dealing with huge crowds, would partially shave one person's head and move to the next to ensure no customer left their queue.

Has it all his own way. Pilgrims visiting the place have to get their heads shaved, and as one man has the entire monopoly he keeps them waiting for hours, taking payment in advance and shaving a little bit of one man's head and then a little bit of another, to prevent them from going away. Applied to a person selfishly taking work out of others' hands which he is unable to complete himself.

This expression is used to describe a state of total chaos, lack of leadership, or a situation where there is no one in charge to take responsibility. It often refers to an organization or household that is neglected and functioning without any order or oversight.