అత్తకును శాంతంబు, కత్తికిని మెత్తన కలదె

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe situations where something is inherently harsh or impossible to find. Just as a blade cannot be soft by its very nature, the proverb suggestively reflects the stereotypical historical tension in households where a mother-in-law is never satisfied with her daughter-in-law, no matter how hard she tries.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone asks for permission or proposes something that is obviously beneficial or desirable to the listener. It highlights a rhetorical question where the answer is an emphatic 'yes' because the outcome favors everyone involved.

This expression refers to an extremely stingy, ruthless, or destructive person who leaves nothing behind. It describes someone who exploits a resource or situation to the very last bit without any regard for future use or mercy, often used to characterize a person's extreme greed or harsh nature.

This proverb suggests that just as softness is expected in some contexts, in administration or leadership, being too 'soft' or lenient leads to a loss of respect. It implies that a ruler or person in power must be firm to maintain order, otherwise, the subjects or subordinates will disregard their authority.

This proverb is used to describe relationships or objects that are inherently sharp or harsh by nature. It suggests that just as a knife's purpose is to cut and it cannot be blunt or soft, a mother-in-law (in traditional contexts) is expected to be strict or demanding, and one should not expect otherwise.

This is a traditional proverb used to describe situations or relationships that are inherently difficult or sharp by nature. Just as a knife cannot fulfill its purpose if it is soft, the proverb suggests that the relationship with a mother-in-law is traditionally expected to be strict or stern rather than purely 'soft' or 'kind'. It is often used to comment on the inevitable friction in certain roles or power dynamics.

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This proverb describes a person who blindly reacts or believes something without thinking logically. Since a bull (male) cannot give birth, a rational person should question the statement first. Instead, the person in the proverb immediately suggests a next step, showing gullibility or a lack of common sense. It is used to mock people who follow instructions or rumors without verifying the facts.

This is a famous moral teaching from Vemana Satakam. It suggests that self-control is the greatest virtue. Uncontrolled anger causes harm to oneself more than others, acting as an internal enemy, while maintaining a peaceful and calm composure serves as a shield against life's troubles.

This expression describes a person who speaks harshly or bluntly but possesses a very kind, compassionate, and gentle nature internally. It is used to characterize someone whose outward behavior might seem rude or strict, yet their intentions and character are deeply caring.

This classical expression or proverb is used to suggest that individuals who lack character or those who treat relationships purely as transactions do not respect or recognize moral boundaries or family ties. It is often used to criticize someone's lack of integrity or their disregard for social and moral decorum.