చాలమ్మా నీ ఇరుగు పొరుగుల గద్దె

This expression describes the aesthetic superiority of melody or music over lyrical content. It suggests that while words are mere servants used to convey a message, the tune or melody possesses a divine, captivating beauty that enchants the listener independently.

This proverb implies that regardless of who is in power or what changes occur at the top, the common person's hard work and daily struggles remain the same. It is used to express that systemic changes often do not alleviate the basic labor or responsibilities of the working class.

This expression is used to describe a state of uncertainty about the outcome of a situation. It suggests that one doesn't know if a result will be positive or negative, or if a specific action will lead to success or failure. It is often used when embarking on a risky venture or waiting for a result that is out of one's hands.

This is a historical folk saying or 'sameta' that warns of unpredictability. The literal comparison suggests that just as the Thumma tree is thorny and difficult to handle, one should be cautious in dealings. Note: Like many caste-based proverbs, this reflects historical social tensions or stereotypes and is used to describe situations where one should remain vigilant against potential deception or hidden 'thorns' in a situation.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to explain marriage alliances and exogamy. It signifies that one can marry a girl who doesn't fall into the category of a 'sister' (like a paternal uncle's daughter or maternal aunt's daughter) or 'mother' (certain maternal clan relations) according to cultural lineage rules. It emphasizes following social and biological protocols in matrimonial matches.

This proverb highlights the fickle nature of human relationships based on wealth. It suggests that when someone is prosperous and their kitchen fire is burning (symbolized by the grinding of grains), many people will claim to be friends and relatives. However, when wealth vanishes, those same people often disappear. It is used to describe fair-weather friends or the influence of money on social status.

This proverb highlights the importance of living within one's means. It is used to criticize people who have expensive tastes or bad habits that far exceed their financial capacity. It suggests that one's lifestyle and expenses should be proportionate to their actual income.

This proverb refers to someone who blames the tool or the medium instead of addressing their own flaws or the root cause of a problem. It describes a situation where a person reacts irrationally to an unpleasant truth by attacking the messenger or the source of information rather than fixing themselves.

This expression is used to describe an action that is done very quickly, decisively, or loudly. Just as smashing a clay pot full of hard betel nuts against a stone results in a sudden, sharp, and total shattering, this refers to saying something bluntly or finishing a task with sudden force without any hesitation.

This proverb describes hypocrisy or misplaced priorities. It refers to people who harm or neglect living beings in need but perform elaborate rituals for inanimate idols or symbols. It is used to criticize those who ignore their actual responsibilities or moral duties while maintaining a facade of piety or righteousness.