ఆటుపోట్లు

Refers to a severe blow of misfortune on some one already suffering. When misfortunes come, they come in battalions. It is on those occasions, one should be bold and face the situation.

This expression is used to describe an unexpected disaster or a significant problem that occurs at the very beginning of a task. A seed drill (jaddigamu) is used to plant seeds for the future; if a locust (midatha) attacks at that specific point, it ruins the entire potential crop before it even has a chance to grow. It is similar to the English idiom 'to nip it in the bud,' but refers to a negative external event ruining the foundation of an endeavor.

This expression highlights the vital importance of food security and agriculture. It signifies that even a single grain of rice represents sustenance, and without food (the means of survival), one's very existence is at risk. It is often used to emphasize the value of hard work, the importance of not wasting food, or the critical nature of one's livelihood.

This expression is used to describe severe, multi-faceted betrayal or damage. 'Vennupotu' refers to betrayal from within (like family or close associates ruining a home), while 'Paipotu' refers to external attacks or physical/visible hardships hitting an individual. It signifies a situation where one is being attacked both from within and without.

This proverb is used to describe small but persistent irritations that are difficult to endure. Just as a bedbug's bite is tiny but causes immense discomfort and sleeplessness, the constant nagging or sharp words of a woman in the household can be deeply hurtful and unsettling to one's peace of mind.

This expression is used to mock someone who makes a big deal out of trivial information by acting overly secretive. It implies that keeping unnecessary secrets or constantly whispering 'top-secret' matters eventually becomes a nuisance or causes trouble rather than being helpful.

This expression refers to a situation where someone experiences a severe blow or tragedy (pestle blow) but tries to cover it up or distracted from it with a casual or irrelevant song (Dasari's song). It is used to describe a mismatch between a serious problem and a trivial response, or when someone behaves as if nothing is wrong despite being in pain.

This expression describes a 'no-win' situation or a dilemma where both available options lead to a negative outcome. It is similar to the English idioms 'Between a rock and a hard place' or 'Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.' It is used when a person is stuck between two equally unpleasant alternatives.

Not to be pleased in any way.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an unexpected additional problem arises when one is already dealing with a pre-existing difficult or slow-moving situation. It signifies double trouble or a crisis within a crisis, specifically when one is already vulnerable.

This expression is used to describe someone who lacks common sense or basic awareness, especially when they fail to understand something that is painfully obvious or inevitable. It originates from the rhythmic grunt 'vvi' made by workers while using a heavy wooden pestle (rokali); if one doesn't know what that sound signifies, they are bound to be hit by the heavy tool.