అరిష్టానికి అంగారకుడు, పాపాలకు భైరవుడు

This expression is used to describe a person who is a definitive or ultimate solution to a problem, or conversely, someone who is a fierce destroyer of obstacles. In a negative context, it can refer to someone who is as intense or destructive as Mars is considered in astrology for causing ill-effects, or as powerful as Lord Bhairava is in destroying sins.

This expression refers to a person who is ruthless and uncompromising when dealing with wrongdoers or sinners. In Telugu culture, Bhairava is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with annihilation and justice. The phrase implies that just as Bhairava punishes evil, a person named Papanna (or anyone being described this way) acts as a fearsome judge or punisher for those who commit sins.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where all the hard work, meticulous effort, or ritualistic care put into a task goes completely to waste or is rendered useless due to a small mistake or an unfortunate turn of events. It implies that the sanctity or value of an endeavor has been lost.

This proverb highlights that certain traits are fundamentally incompatible with specific professions or situations. Just as a thief cannot succeed if they are afraid of being caught, and a prostitute cannot perform if they are shy, a person must shed irrelevant inhibitions or weaknesses to succeed in their chosen path or task.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb emphasizing that precious, vulnerable, or essential things (like babies or food sources) need constant protection from jealousy or negative energy. It is used to advise caution and safeguarding of one's most valued assets.

This expression suggests that an honest person with a clear conscience does not need to fear any consequences or dangers for a long time. It emphasizes that integrity provides long-term protection and peace of mind, implying that a person who lives rightly remains fearless throughout their lifetime (a 'mandala' often referring to a specific long cycle of time or the horizon).

This expression is used to describe someone who looks extremely beautiful, innocent, or gentle on the outside but possesses a fierce, aggressive, or harsh temperament. It highlights the contrast between attractive physical features and a destructive or difficult personality.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and first in line when it comes to eating or receiving benefits, but makes excuses or relies on 'luck' and laziness when it is time to work. It highlights the hypocrisy of a person who consumes resources greedily but contributes nothing.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who is weak, poor, or indebted is unfairly blamed for everything that goes wrong. It highlights how the vulnerable become easy targets for scapegoating in any unfavorable circumstance.

This expression describes a person who is in a middle-aged or transitional stage of life. It is often used to refer to someone who is neither too young nor too old, bridging the gap between generations, or someone who is an experienced adult who has seen both the end of one era and the start of another.