బక్కనాగు పయనం బోతే, నక్కలన్నీ గుసగుసలాడె

This expression suggests that one must adapt to their surroundings and the company they are in to survive or succeed. It is similar to the English proverb 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' but with a specific emphasis on using cunning or matching the behavior of those around you, especially when dealing with shrewd people.

This proverb suggests that secret schemes, conspiracies, or malicious gossip often result in the downfall or ruin of homes and families. It emphasizes that backbiting and clandestine plotting cause unnecessary destruction in society.

In Telugu, 'deepam peddayindi' is a polite way to say a lamp has gone out. This proverb describes a person with such bad luck or 'sinful' fortune that their presence brings misfortune or ruins the situation for everyone else. It is used to mock someone whose arrival coincides with a disaster or a failure.

This expression describes someone who is waiting patiently or cunningly for an opportunity to benefit from someone else's misfortune or mistake. It is used to refer to opportunistic behavior, similar to a fox waiting for prey to fall into a hole or for a trap to be sprung.

This expression is used to describe a friendship or alliance between people that is based solely on selfish interests or mutual exploitation, often in a sinister or opportunistic context. Just as a fox lingers near a grave for its own gain, this 'partnership' is untrustworthy and temporary.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's hard-earned wealth or resources are not enjoyed by them or their heirs, but instead are wasted or consumed by unworthy, greedy, or unrelated outsiders. It is used to highlight the irony of accumulating great fortune only for it to be squandered by others.

This proverb is used to describe opportunistic or selfish people who show great respect and devotion to someone only as long as they need a favor. Once their objective is achieved, they treat the same person with contempt or indifference.

This proverb is used to mock someone who lacks competence or character but tries to make a grand display or travel to impress others. It implies that while the person thinks they are doing something significant, others (often wise or cynical observers) are actually ridiculing their incompetence behind their backs.

This expression refers to how rumors or secrets, often starting as small whispers, can eventually lead to significant trouble or the destruction of one's peace and home. It is used to caution against gossiping and the snowball effect of private talk becoming public scandals.

This expression is used to describe a situation where bad omens occur or when internal betrayal and cowardice lead to an inevitable downfall. Historically, in Telugu literature, the howling of jackals within a military camp was considered a sign of impending defeat or a curse on the leadership. It is used metaphorically when a group or organization is plagued by bad luck or internal sabotage.