బతికి పట్నం చూడాలి, చచ్చి స్వర్గం చూడాలి

This expression is used to mock people who tell tall tales or exaggerate trivial events as if they are miraculous. It highlights how minor or common occurrences are sometimes presented as extraordinary feats to deceive or impress the gullible.

Refers to a state of being stuck in a middle ground or a dilemma where one is neither here nor there. It originates from the mythological story of King Trishanku who was suspended between Earth and Heaven. It is used to describe situations involving uncertainty, being caught between two choices, or being in a state of limbo.

This proverb suggests that to truly understand someone's character, personality, or habits, you must either travel with them for a long distance or live under the same roof. It emphasizes that superficial acquaintance is not enough to judge a person.

This proverb highlights situations where an individual feels overly comfortable and entitled. Just as a bull thrives and roams freely in a field of castor plants (which are difficult to clear), a son-in-law is often pampered, prioritized, and treated with excessive hospitality at his in-laws' place. It is used to describe someone enjoying a position of prestige or being the center of attention.

This proverb highlights the stages of exhaustion or effort. It implies that being halfway through a struggle or being partially exhausted might still yield something artistic or useful (like music), but pushing oneself or a situation to the point of complete destruction leads only to ruin or loss.

This proverb suggests that if one loses their livelihood or property in their village, they should head to a big city (historically Madras, now Chennai) to find new opportunities and start over. It highlights that large cities provide diverse ways to make a living and survive even when one has hit rock bottom.

This expression is used to describe a dilemma where one must choose between the quality of the content and the appearance of the container. It is often applied to situations where someone is stuck between focusing on the value of a person or object versus their external flaws or surroundings.

This proverb highlights the essential nature of a mother's care and rain for survival and growth. Just as a crop cannot flourish or survive without rain, a child suffers and cannot thrive without the nurturing presence and affection of a mother. It is used to describe situations of extreme deprivation or the lack of a fundamental life-sustaining element.

This expression is used when someone is in a dilemma or a state of confusion between two tasks or priorities, implying that they cannot focus on one thing without worrying about the other. It describes a situation where a person is overwhelmed by multiple responsibilities.

This proverb is used to describe tasks or hobbies that are extremely exhausting, time-consuming, or require immense struggle to master. It suggests that learning ancient scriptures (Puranas) takes half of one's life/energy, but mastering music (Sangeetam) demands one's entire life and soul.