భాగ్యవశముగాని బ్రతుకులు లేవయా

This proverb emphasizes the importance of dignity and responsibility. It suggests that living without self-respect or social honor is loathsome. Additionally, it highlights the traditional social expectation that a man must be capable of providing for and protecting his wife, failing which his existence is seen as futile or disgraceful.

This traditional proverb reflects historical gender roles and social hierarchies. It suggests that a man's life or contribution is seen as substantial and central (a bowl full of food), while a woman's life is often perceived as supplementary or less significant (a single grain in liquid). It is used to describe the disparity in how society values the lives and roles of men and women.

This expression emphasizes that life itself is the greatest wealth one can possess. It is used to provide perspective during financial loss or hardship, suggesting that as long as one is alive and healthy, they have the opportunity to rebuild and succeed.

This expression highlights that communication skills and articulateness are essential for survival and success. It is used to describe situations where someone makes a living or gets things done through their power of speech, persuasion, or sometimes by being vocal and assertive about their needs.

This proverb highlights the perceived vulnerability and fragility of a woman's life in traditional society. Like a banana leaf, which gets damaged whether it falls on a thorn or a thorn falls on it, a woman's reputation or life is seen as being easily affected by circumstances regardless of who is at fault.

This expression means that a person's existence or stay in a place is dependent on the resources or destiny (karma/provisions) allotted to them. It is often used to signify that life is temporary and will continue only as long as the 'rations' or 'sustenance' provided by fate last.

This proverb highlights the importance of companionship. Just as a top cannot be spun or controlled without a string, a person's life is seen as directionless, unstable, or incomplete without a life partner or soulmate to support and balance them.

This proverb is used to describe someone who maintains a very secretive or private financial status. Just as a merchant's (Shetty) true assets, debts, and accounts are only revealed to the world after they pass away and the books are closed, some people's real situation or character remains a mystery to others during their lifetime.

In Telugu culture, chewing betel leaves (paan) is incomplete and tasteless without 'sunnam' (lime). This proverb uses that analogy to describe a life devoid of joy or comfort as being dull, incomplete, and without essence. It is used to express the sadness of a life filled only with hardship.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.