బొంక నేర్చి, బొంకు అంకు నేర్వాలి

This proverb is used to comment on a person's intelligence or lack of willingness to learn. It suggests that even animals (like oxen) can be trained to follow instructions within a year, but a stubborn or foolish person (moddu) may never learn even after decades. It is often used to express frustration at someone who repeats the same mistakes despite being taught many times.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and social skills in survival and professional success. It suggests that if one does not know how to converse effectively or persuade others, it becomes difficult to make a living or navigate through daily life.

This expression emphasizes that knowledge and skill bring weight to one's words. It suggests that when someone speaks after truly learning or mastering a subject, their words carry authority and wisdom, distinguishing them as a capable or clever person (Neravaadi).

This expression is often used sarcastically or in a cynical context to imply that practical survival or success doesn't always depend on formal education or 'learning'. It can also suggest that innate nature or luck plays a larger role than acquired knowledge.

This proverb describes how one bad habit or vice often leads to another. Specifically, it implies that to hide a significant misdeed, one must inevitably resort to lying. It is used to suggest that moral failings or deceptive behaviors usually go hand in hand.

This expression emphasizes that real-life success or failure is often determined by luck, fate, or circumstances rather than just formal education or skill. It is used to console someone who failed despite their knowledge, or to point out that even those without skills sometimes thrive.

This proverb is used to comment on a person's intelligence or stubbornness. It implies that even a beast of burden like an ox can be trained and disciplined within a year, but a person who lacks the will or the mental capacity to learn will remain ignorant regardless of how much time passes.

This proverb is used to suggest that a person who is capable of committing a major transgression or a serious moral wrong is certainly capable of lying to cover it up. It implies that deceit naturally accompanies wrongful actions, and one should not expect honesty from someone who lacks integrity.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent or inexperienced person tries to do something simple or enjoy a rare treat, but ends up being blamed for something wrong or getting into unexpected trouble. It signifies bad timing or being caught in a streak of misfortune.

This proverb suggests that those with expertise or skills in a dangerous field are often the most vulnerable to its risks because they take chances or engage in it frequently. It is used to caution against overconfidence in one's skills, implying that mastery does not provide immunity from accidents or failure.