బిగువైన ఎద్దుకే బిగువైన సేద్యం

This proverb describes someone who sets ideal or impossible conditions before committing to a task. It highlights the tendency to blame external factors or demand perfect resources to justify one's willingness to work, implying that with such perfect comforts, anyone would be willing to do the job.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and readiness. Just as a blunt knife is useless for cutting, farming becomes futile if the right season or opportunity is missed. It is used to convey that actions must be taken at the appropriate time to be effective.

This proverb is used to describe tasks or situations that require constant attention, effort, and resources. Just as a chronic illness needs continuous care and a garden requires daily maintenance to prevent it from withering, certain responsibilities or businesses demand unending vigilance to stay viable.

This proverb emphasizes that peace and health are foundational for success. If the woman of the house (the 'Aalu') is suffering or unhappy, the household cannot thrive. Similarly, if the ox used for plowing is weak or collapsed, the farming cannot move forward. It is used to highlight the importance of the well-being of those who anchor the home and profession.

This is an agricultural proverb related to the lunar asterisms (Kartelu). It suggests that heavy rains during the Magha and Pubba periods are detrimental to crops. It implies that regardless of who is farming or how hard they work, the yield will be ruined (turned to dust/mud) if it rains excessively during this specific time of the season.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of treatment and happiness within a household and livelihood. It means that if a wife is unhappy or mistreated in a home, that family will face misfortune. Similarly, if a farmer ill-treats his oxen (making them suffer or 'cry'), his agriculture will not yield success. It is used to advise people to keep their family members happy and care for the animals/tools that provide their sustenance.

This expression refers to the unnecessary pride or stubbornness shown by people who are not in a position to afford such an attitude. It is used to describe a situation where someone lacks resources but still acts with a stiff, unyielding, or overly dignified posture, often to their own disadvantage.

This expression describes a state of total exhaustion, aging, or complete lack of vitality. It is used when a person is both mentally dejected (no glow/happiness on the face) and physically weak (knees failing), indicating they are no longer fit for strenuous work or are feeling the heavy toll of hardship.

This proverb is used to describe things that are ultimately inconsequential or lack real impact. Just as a poor person's firm stance or pride often yields to necessity, and the arguments between saintly people rarely lead to lasting enmity or violence, these situations are seen as temporary or ineffective in the larger scheme of things.

This proverb highlights the danger of negligence and lack of discipline. Just as a loose tucking of a garment can lead to embarrassment and a house without a lock is an invitation to thieves, a person without self-control or a system without security is prone to failure and ruin. It is used to advise someone to be firm and secure in their actions.