అత్తవారింటి లేమి అల్లుడెరుగడు

This proverb describes people who are so overwhelmed by their work or circumstances that they lose track of time or physical comfort. A washerwoman (Chakali) is often so busy washing clothes until dark that she doesn't realize the day has ended, and those in extreme poverty or labor-intensive roles may work to the point where they don't even have the luxury of a proper bed or rest. It is used to describe tireless labor or being completely engrossed in one's duties.

This proverb is used sarcastically to describe someone who expects to be pampered and fed without doing any work. In traditional Telugu culture, a son-in-law is treated with extreme hospitality and never asked to work, while a 'Basavanna' (sacred bull) is fed and revered without labor. It is used to mock lazy individuals who overstay their welcome and expect royal treatment.

This proverb emphasizes that freedom, self-respect, and the unconditional love found in one's birth home are far more valuable than the material wealth and luxury in a place where one might feel restricted or secondary. It is used to highlight that comfort and peace of mind are superior to status or money.

This proverb highlights the cyclical nature of family roles and the importance of empathy. It reminds elders (the mother-in-law and father-in-law) that they once held the same subordinate or new roles as their children-in-law. It is used to suggest that one should treat their daughter-in-law or son-in-law with kindness and understanding, remembering their own past experiences in those positions.

This proverb highlights that the comforts or happiness one experiences at their in-laws' house are often fleeting and sharp-lived. Just as a hit to the elbow causes a sudden, intense pain that subsides quickly, the joy there is considered temporary or accompanied by unexpected stings of criticism or discomfort. It is used to caution against relying too much on the hospitality of in-laws.

Happy is the wife who is married to a motherless son.

This proverb highlights that everyone in a position of authority once held a subordinate role. It is used to remind people (especially in-laws) to be empathetic and treat others with kindness, remembering that they were once in the same shoes. It emphasizes that life is a cycle and experiences are shared across generations.

This expression is used to remind someone that even if their actions (good or bad) are hidden from the world or other people, they are always visible to the divine. It is often used to counsel honesty or to provide comfort that good deeds will eventually be rewarded by a higher power.

This expression means that when a person is truly exhausted, they do not care about the luxury or comfort of the bed; and when a person is extremely hungry, they do not care about the taste or quality of the food. It is used to describe how basic biological needs override preferences for luxury or quality in extreme situations.

This proverb is used to describe an event or task that took an excessively long time to complete, or a situation where people were kept waiting or busy until daybreak. It often implies a sense of exhaustion or the completion of a long, drawn-out process.

This proverb advises maintaining self-respect and social dignity. Going to an in-law's house while angry (after a fight at home) diminishes one's respect there, and going to a sister's house after losing one's wealth or status can become a burden and strain relationships. It emphasizes that one should avoid seeking refuge in places where their presence might lead to humiliation or awkwardness during times of vulnerability.