అటయితే కందిపప్పు, ఇటయితే పెసరపప్పు

This proverb is used to describe a 'hit or miss' situation or a risky venture where there are only two extreme possibilities. It signifies a state of uncertainty where one will either get a quick, small result or a delayed, substantial one, often used when someone takes a gamble without being sure of the specific outcome.

* Aut Cæsar aut nullus.

This proverb is used to describe things that are new or incomplete yet seem very attractive or desirable at the beginning. Just as moong dal that isn't fully roasted still has a distinct (though raw) flavor, a second wife or a new person entering a situation might seem better than the old, often masking underlying complications.

This proverb is used to describe a person's stubbornness or a specific situation where one refuses to spend money for a noble cause or charity (Danamu), but is eventually forced to spend even larger amounts on fines, losses, or useless expenses (Dandaga) due to their own negligence or ego.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is prepared for two possible outcomes, often in farming or business. Castor plants grow in low rainfall, while pigeon peas need more rain. It signifies a win-win strategy or a fallback plan where regardless of the circumstances, there will be some form of harvest or benefit.

This expression describes a person who is opportunistic or lacks a firm stance. It refers to someone who changes their opinion or allegiance depending on the situation or person they are talking to, ensuring they benefit regardless of the outcome.

This proverb describes a person who lives recklessly beyond their means. It refers to someone who spends borrowed money on luxuries or fine food (represented by 'pappukoodu') without worrying about how they will repay the debt later. It is used to critique poor financial planning and hedonistic behavior.

This proverb describes a fickle mindset where a person's perception of someone or something changes based on their current mood or interest. When they like a person, everything about them seems wonderful and soft like flowers (eeparalu), but once the interest fades or a conflict arises, the same person or thing seems irritating and painful like thorns (kamparalu). It is used to mock hypocritical or inconsistent behavior in relationships.

This proverb is used to describe a 'win-win' situation or a situation where there are only two possible outcomes, both of which are acceptable or manageable. It highlights a state of being prepared for either of two specific results, often implying that even if the primary goal isn't met, the alternative is still useful.

This proverb highlights things that are useless or unpleasant. Just as unroasted pigeon peas (kandipappu) do not cook well and lack flavor, the praise of an unintelligent person or a fool carries no value and should not be taken seriously.

This expression refers to a 'win-win' situation for a professional or intermediary where they benefit regardless of the outcome. It is often used to describe situations where a person profits whether the patient recovers (earning a fee) or dies (earning a ritual fee), highlighting a scenario where the service provider has no risk of loss.

A cow is presented at funerals to a Brahman to enable the soul of the deceased to get across the burning river Vaitarani which is said to separate heaven from earth. Said by a Brahman priest and doctor.