చమురున్న పెంకు ఎప్పుడూ పేలదు

This expression is used to describe someone who looks unusually gloomy, dull, or miserable during a time that is supposed to be joyful or celebratory. 'Peddamma' (Jyestha Devi) symbolizes misfortune or lethargy, contrasting with the expected happiness of a newlywed.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a lot of effort is put into something, or a great deal of noise/fuss is made about a person or thing, but the actual value, result, or substance is negligible. It highlights a disproportion between appearance and reality.

Appearances are deceitful.

This proverb highlights that empty boasting or showing off might look impressive (like flowers), but it leads to no real results or achievements (like fruit). It is used to describe people who talk big but fail to deliver substance or fulfill their promises.

This expression is used to describe the union or cooperation of two equally incompetent, useless, or disreputable people. It suggests that when two people with similar flaws join forces, the outcome is likely to be unproductive or messy, as neither can help the other improve.

Burglars disguise their faces, and lepers oil their sores. Birds of a feather flock together.

This proverb suggests that sudden, intense efforts or noisy actions often pass quickly without lasting effect, whereas slow, steady, and persistent efforts have a deeper and more significant impact. It is used to emphasize that consistency is more effective than short bursts of intensity.

This proverb describes a person who misses out on a great, respectful opportunity due to ego or negligence, only to later settle for something far inferior or beg for scraps out of necessity. It highlights the irony of rejecting a dignified invitation and later being forced to ask for favors in a humiliating manner.

This expression is used when someone has to spend their own hard-earned money or bear a significant personal expense for something, often unexpectedly or as a penalty. It signifies a personal financial loss or 'burning a hole in one's pocket.'

This expression is used when two people with similar bad habits, flaws, or negative reputations join forces or become friends. It implies that their association will likely lead to even more trouble or messiness, similar to how soot and oil together create a persistent stain. It is often used to describe a partnership of incompetent or mischievous individuals.

This proverb is used to describe a person who misses a great, respectful opportunity or an invitation when offered with honor, but later seeks small, insignificant benefits or favors from the same source out of desperation or lack of foresight. It highlights the foolishness of missing out on a dignified occasion only to settle for scraps later.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one has to spend their own money or incur a personal loss even for something that should have been free, a service, or a public benefit. It signifies paying out of one's pocket for an experience or task that ends up being a burden rather than a reward.