బాలవాక్కు బ్రహ్మవాక్కు

This expression highlights that true recognition or a title is only valid when it is acknowledged by one's greatest rival or a peer of the highest caliber. It originates from the mythological rivalry where King Vishwamitra performed intense penance to become a Brahmarshi, but his status was only truly validated when his adversary, Sage Vashistha, finally addressed him as one.

* चत्ववेदविदां श्रेष्ठो ब्रह्मवेदविदामपि। ब्रह्मपुत्तो वशिष्ठो मामेवं वदतु देवताः॥

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone provides an exceptionally powerful, definitive, or superior solution to a difficult problem or challenge. It implies that while the challenge was tricky (like a knot), the answer was supreme and absolute (like the power of Brahma). It is often used to praise someone's intellectual wit or a crushing rebuttal in an argument.

This proverb emphasizes self-reliance and the transient nature of external aid. Just as manure only provides a temporary boost to the soil's fertility and eventually depletes, words or promises from others are not a reliable substitute for one's own actions or tangible support. It suggests that one should build their own strengths rather than depending on borrowed resources or empty talk.

This proverb describes how a small problem or a minor issue can become huge and uncontrollable if one keeps dwelling on it or meddling with it unnecessarily. Just as a monkey constantly picks at a small scratch until it becomes a large, infected wound, humans often worsen situations by overthinking or interfering excessively.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is coerced or pressured into doing something against their will or interest. It originates from the idea of forcing a priest to perform a ritual or partake in a ceremonial meal when they are unwilling or unprepared, implying that the act lacks genuine intent or joy.

This is a traditional Telugu saying used to emphasize the gravity of hurting or killing a cat, suggesting it is equivalent to the sin of killing a Brahmin (Brahmahatya Patakam). It is often used to discourage animal cruelty or to mock superstitious beliefs regarding the consequences of accidentally harming a cat.

This expression highlights that true recognition or a title is only valid when it comes from a peer or a rival who is equally or more qualified. In Hindu mythology, although Vishwamitra performed great penance, he only felt he truly achieved the status of 'Brahmarshi' when his rival, Sage Vashistha, acknowledged him as such. It is used to emphasize that self-praise is no recommendation and validation should come from an authoritative source.

This expression implies that children are innocent and pure-hearted, and therefore the words they speak are as truthful and prophetic as the words of God. It is often used to suggest that one should pay attention to the simple, honest observations made by children as they are untainted by deceit.

This expression refers to a small problem that becomes much larger and uncontrollable due to constant meddling or aggravation. Just as a monkey cannot stop scratching its wound until it becomes a severe, unhealable sore, some people make their troubles worse by obsessing over them or interfering unnecessarily.

Refers to a final, most powerful, and infallible solution to a problem. It is used to describe an ultimate tactic or argument that is guaranteed to succeed when all other options have failed.