అట్లు వండే అత్తకు అరవై ఆరు ఎత్తులు

This proverb describes a person who, instead of doing the work assigned to them, engages in useless tasks or makes excuses by over-analyzing the situation. It is used to criticize someone who procrastinates or avoids simple labor by focusing on irrelevant details.

This proverb highlights tasks that are labor-intensive and require more help than the final output suggests. Making traditional dosas (atlu) is a slow process where the person cooking cannot leave the stove, thus needing others to bring batter, fetch water, serve, clean, and manage other tasks simultaneously.

This proverb highlights how some people find it easier to depend on others' resources rather than their own hard work. It illustrates that a beggar receives variety by collecting bits from many houses, while someone who works hard and cooks for themselves might have a simpler but more dignified and certain meal. It is often used to comment on the irony of someone who doesn't work appearing to have more options or variety than a hard worker.

This expression describes extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It refers to a person who harms their benefactor or someone who has helped them in their time of need. It is used to condemn the act of biting the hand that feeds you.

This proverb describes a situation where the expenditure far exceeds the income. It is used to mock someone who spends extravagantly or has too many dependents/requirements compared to the meager amount they actually earn.

This proverb highlights the principle of reciprocity and generosity. It implies that those who give or help others will receive back even more than what they offered (interest/bonus). It is used to suggest that kindness is rewarded with greater kindness.

This proverb highlights the immense value and versatility of milk provided by a cow. It implies that from a single source (milk), one can create a vast multitude of foods, sweets, and nutrients, emphasizing the cow's sacred and provider status in Indian culture.

This expression is used to describe someone who finds unnecessary faults or makes minor, annoying changes to something that is already perfect or complete. It highlights a tendency to interfere or nitpick just to assert authority or feel important, even when no help is needed.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who is lazy, useless, or good-for-nothing. The numbers 25 and 26 don't hold a mathematical value here but colloquially represent a person who lacks purpose or effectiveness.

This expression is used to describe how people's character and behavior can drastically change when they face a downfall or make a mistake. It suggests that a single slip in conduct or status can reveal many hidden, often negative, traits or lead to numerous accusations and character flaws being attributed to a person.