బాస తప్పినవాడూ బండ తిరిగినవాడూ ఒకటి

This expression is used to describe a situation where the solution provided does not match the problem at hand, or when actions taken are completely irrelevant to the actual issue. It highlights a lack of coordination or understanding in addressing a specific challenge.

This expression suggests that a person who has lost their direction in life is comparable to someone who has attended school without actually learning or applying anything. It is used to critique someone who lacks common sense or purpose despite having access to resources or opportunities.

This proverb highlights that a person suffering from a disease and a person forced into unpaid manual labor (vetti) share a similar plight—both lose their freedom of will and are under a constant state of suffering or compulsion. It is used to describe situations where a person has no choice but to endure hardship.

This expression is used to describe two people who are equally wicked, cunning, or troublesome. It implies that there is no difference in their bad character; if one is bad, the other is slightly worse or just as bad. It is similar to saying 'two of a kind' or 'chips off the same block' in a negative context.

This expression is used to describe someone who prioritizes style, rhythm, or external appearances over the actual substance or truth of a matter. It often refers to people who focus more on making their speech sound catchy or poetic rather than ensuring it is accurate or meaningful.

This proverb highlights the eagerness or anxiety of certain individuals based on their situation. Just as a vegetable seller must arrive early to secure a good spot at the market to survive, someone who has been ostracized might arrive earliest to a public gathering or feast to ensure they are not ignored or to assert their presence before others arrive. It is used to describe people who show up excessively early or with a sense of urgency due to their specific needs or insecurities.

This proverb highlights the reciprocity and equality inherent in kinship and relationships, regardless of economic status. In Telugu culture, 'Bava' (brother-in-law) denotes a close relative. The saying suggests that blood relations or social bonds remain the same regardless of one person being rich (balisinavadu) and the other being poor (bakkavadu). It is used to emphasize that status shouldn't change how family members treat or address one another.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone prioritizes style, rhythm, or external appearance over the actual content or truth. In a literal sense, it refers to poetry where maintaining the rhyme (prasa) is seen as more important than the choice of words. In a general context, it refers to people who focus on sticking to a pattern or keeping up appearances even when the substance is lost.

This proverb highlights that true mastery is defined by the most difficult tasks in a field. In Telugu literature, 'Kandam' is considered a very difficult meter to compose; similarly, hunting a wild boar requires immense courage. It signifies that excellence is proven through successfully handling the toughest challenges of one's profession.

This proverb emphasizes the supreme importance of honesty and integrity. It suggests that a person's character and social standing are defined by their ability to keep promises. Historically, it was used to imply that failing to honor one's word leads to a loss of honor and respect in society, comparing the act of lying to being cast out of the social order.