అవ్వా కావాలి, బువ్వా కావాలి

This proverb highlights the necessity of protection or advocacy. Just as a wall protects a crop (madi) from intruders or animals, a clever or articulate husband protects his family from being taken advantage of by society. It is used to suggest that one needs either physical security or a clever person to handle external worldly affairs effectively.

This is a traditional Telugu riddle or a rhythmic saying describing the onset of evening or night. It signifies that at the end of the day, everyone—from birds to humans—returns to their place of rest. It is often used in a poetic sense to describe the natural conclusion of daily activities.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely greedy and wants everything for themselves. It refers to someone who wants the big profits (pure gold), the small gains (loose change), and also wants to show off their wealth (turning the neck to display heavy jewelry). It is used to mock people who are never satisfied and try to grab every possible benefit in a situation.

This expression is used to describe someone who is being hypocritical or manipulative. It depicts a person who recites the names of God (Keshava, Narayana) to appear pious or selfless, but immediately shifts to a selfish, basic demand for food (buvva). It is often used to mock people who pretend to be spiritual or elevated while their true intentions are entirely materialistic or self-centered.

This is a popular saying in Telugu culture that highlights the ultimate culinary delights and comfort foods of rural life. It suggests that the best food combinations one can enjoy are fine-grained rice paired with small fish fry/curry, or freshly harvested rice served with a rich chicken gravy. It is often used to describe a satisfying, hearty, and traditional meal.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity of labor and the reward of hard work. It suggests that one should work with extreme humility and diligence (like a servant) in order to eventually enjoy a life of luxury and comfort (like a master/lord). It is used to encourage someone to put in hard effort now for a better future.

This proverb suggests that in certain situations, success or survival is achieved either through immense courage and strength or through complete humility and submission. It implies that being in an indecisive middle ground is ineffective; one must choose to either fight boldly or appeal for mercy.

This is a traditional proverb or 'sametha' used to illustrate the burden of responsibility and the preference for wealth over troublesome familial obligations in a sarcastic or harsh manner. It highlights a cynical view of prioritizing financial gain over supporting a family member who may be seen as a lifelong liability (as a widow was historically perceived).

* Wie leicht kommt nicht ein Haar in die Butter!

This proverb highlights the importance of having experienced elders (like a grandmother) to manage and guide a household, just as a standard unit of measure (like the traditional 'thavva') is essential for accurate transactions. It signifies that wisdom and proper standards are foundational for a stable life.

This phrase refers to a person who is assigned to watch over a specific corner or a border area. In a broader metaphorical sense, it is often used to describe someone who is protective of their territory or a person who holds a position of oversight in a specific niche or remote area.