చక్కనమ్మ చిక్కినా, చక్కనయ్య సొక్కినా అందమే

This expression is used to describe a situation or an argument that is complicated and difficult to settle. It refers to a dilemma where one is unsure whether a dispute is manageable (caught) or completely out of control and slippery (not caught), highlighting a state of confusion or persistent trouble.

This proverb is used to describe things or people of inherent quality. It implies that true beauty or excellence does not vanish easily due to temporary hardships or physical changes. Just as a naturally beautiful person retains their charm even after losing weight, high-quality items or virtuous people maintain their grace even in difficult times.

This expression is used to describe a narration or explanation that is extremely clear, orderly, and detailed. Just as beads are meticulously arranged one by one on a string, it refers to telling a story or presenting facts in a seamless, sequential, and lucid manner.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone works extremely hard on a task, but receives very little or insignificant benefit compared to the effort put in. It refers to the manual labor of pounding grain, where the worker might only get to eat a few grains that fall into her mouth while the bulk of the produce goes to someone else.

This expression describes a situation where someone who is used to high quality, luxury, or praise suddenly experiences something inferior, unpleasant, or insulting. It captures the sharp contrast and disappointment felt when moving from a superior experience to a mediocre or degrading one.

This proverb highlights that external decorations or makeup can temporarily mask inherent flaws or ugliness. It is often used to comment on how cosmetics or outward appearances can be deceptive, or to emphasize that presentation can make even a poor object or situation look attractive.

This proverb highlights the power of external appearances or enhancements. Just as a layer of whitewash or paint can hide the cracks and age of an old wall, dressing up or using cosmetics can improve one's outward appearance regardless of age. It is often used to remark on how external decorations can temporarily mask underlying flaws or aging.

This expression is used to describe a person who claims to have done a great job or performed a difficult task, while in reality, they have only done a partial or mediocre job. It highlights pretense and the act of making a small effort look like a significant achievement.

This proverb is used to describe things or people of high quality or inherent value. It suggests that even if someone naturally beautiful loses weight or undergoes hardship, their underlying grace and quality remain evident. In a broader sense, it means that excellence cannot be hidden by temporary setbacks or physical changes.

This expression is used to describe things or people of high quality that retain their value or essence even when they face hardship, poverty, or physical decline. Just as a naturally beautiful woman looks graceful even when she becomes thin, a truly valuable person or object doesn't lose its inherent worth due to temporary setbacks.