బోగం వలపూ బొగ్గు తెలుపూ లేదు

This proverb warns against mistaking unhealthy or artificial growth for true progress or strength. Just as swelling (edema) might make a limb look larger but actually indicates illness rather than muscle, superficial or temporary gains should not be confused with genuine success or health. It is used to caution people who are proud of hollow achievements.

This expression is used to describe a state of total devastation or complete ruin. Just as burning something results in nothing but useless black charcoal, it implies that a situation or entity has been destroyed beyond repair or recovery.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Two wrongs don't make a right.' It suggests that combining two negative actions, lies, or mistakes will not result in a positive outcome or the truth.

This expression is used to describe a futile or impossible task. It implies that certain actions will never yield the desired or expected result because the nature of the material or situation doesn't allow for it. Just as burning hair produces ash and a foul smell rather than useful charcoal, some efforts are simply a waste of time.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a single resource, person, or service is shared by too many people, leading to conflict or impracticality. It highlights the impossibility of satisfying everyone's demands simultaneously when supply is extremely limited.

This expression is used to highlight an impossible or unnatural situation. Just as a crow can never be white and leather is inherently dark, certain truths or character traits cannot be changed no matter how much one tries to pretend otherwise.

This expression is used to describe a person with extraordinary talent, beauty, or virtue who is found in a humble, poor, or unfavorable environment. It signifies a rare gem hidden in an unlikely place.

This proverb is used to indicate that certain things or people cannot be transformed into something valuable, no matter how much effort is put into changing them. Just as burning hair results in ash and a foul smell rather than useful charcoal, some base natures or useless materials cannot be turned into something productive.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something basic or essential is missing precisely where it is expected to be most abundant. It highlights the irony of a specialist or a source lacking the very tools or materials they work with every day.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's stubborn romantic obsession or infatuation is driven by ego or pride. It suggests that until their arrogance (balupu) is humbled by reality or hardship, their irrational desire (valapu) will not subside. It is often applied to people who need a reality check to stop acting on foolish impulses.