ఆరేండ్ల పిల్లవాడు అద్దెలో గిద్దవేస్తే అదీ అపురూపమే

This expression is used to describe a person who talks big or holds an authoritative position but lacks basic knowledge or competency. A 'gidda' is a small unit of measurement; a merchant not knowing standard measures is ironic. It highlights the gap between one's self-importance and their actual ability.

This proverb describes a situation where high-ranking officials take credit for significant or profitable tasks, while low-level workers are left to do the actual labor or the noisy, tedious work. It is used to highlight hierarchies and the division of credit versus effort.

This expression is used to describe a person who is living or growing up in an environment where they do not truly belong, or among people who are not their own. It often implies a situation where someone's true identity or superior talents are hidden or misplaced within a common or mismatched setting, just as a cuckoo bird lays its eggs in a crow's nest to be raised by the crow.

This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of intense emotions and physical states. It suggests that the initial passion of a romantic attraction (valapu) often fades within two years, just as physical grime or stains (murugu) eventually wear off or are cleaned over time. It is used to caution against the assumption that temporary feelings or situations will remain unchanged forever.

This expression is used to describe a situation where multiple guests or demands arrive simultaneously, making it difficult for the host to manage hospitality. It specifically highlights the coincidence of a welcome guest (the son-in-law) and an unwelcome or demanding guest (the greedy person) appearing at the same moment.

This is a superstitious folk saying or an old wives' tale used traditionally to discourage lying. It suggests that dishonesty results in a 'burden' or a specific consequence (reflecting historical social biases). Nowadays, it is mostly used playfully or as a lighthearted warning to children to keep them from lying.

This expression is used to describe a person who holds absolute power, influence, or authority in a particular situation. It implies that the person can do whatever they want without any opposition, and others must follow their rules or whims.

This proverb highlights the changing nature of children as they grow up. It suggests that while children are easy to manage and dependent when they are infants (held in a cloth cradle or 'addalu'), they become independent, headstrong, or even ungrateful once they reach adulthood (represented by 'gaddalu' or beards). It is used to express a parent's frustration when adult children no longer listen or follow their guidance.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is searching for something that they already possess or is right in front of them. It highlights absent-mindedness or overlooking the obvious.

This proverb highlights a traditional observation regarding maturity and knowledge. It suggests that by the age of thirty, a woman typically attains a level of worldly wisdom, patience, and household management skills that makes her as sharp and capable in her sphere as a three-year-old boy is in his peak stage of rapid learning, curiosity, and observation. It is often used to emphasize the intelligence and practical sense of women.