చెడి బతికినమ్మ చేతులు జూడు, బతికి చెడ్డమ్మ చెవులు జూడు

This proverb highlights the contrast between two life experiences: resilience and loss. It suggests that a person who has overcome failure (Chedi Brathikinavaadu) gains immense strength and bravery, whereas a person who has fallen from a high status (Brathiki Chedinavaadu) suffers from deep emotional pain and many hardships. It is often used to describe the psychological state of people based on their life's trajectory.

This proverb highlights how past circumstances leave a mark. A person who was once poor but became wealthy will have a healthy, glowing face (cheeks) due to current nourishment, yet their humble beginnings might still be reflected in their lifestyle. Conversely, a person who was once rich but is now poor will still try to maintain their dignity and status through their neat, albeit old, clothing.

This expression suggests that good and evil, or successes and failures, are two sides of the same coin and are both part of the divine order. It is used to console someone facing hardship, implying that just as one accepts the 'good' (right hand), they must also accept the 'bad' (left hand) as part of life's natural balance.

This proverb emphasizes the virtues of motherhood and charity. It suggests that those who perform selfless acts—such as raising children or helping the needy—will always be blessed, protected, and will never face total ruin in life due to the good karma they have accumulated.

This proverb suggests that people who have fallen from a high status usually retain their values, culture, and humility. In contrast, those who suddenly gain wealth after being poor might become arrogant, boastful, or lack the character to handle their new status appropriately. It is a cautionary advice on choosing associations based on character and background rather than current financial standing.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone enjoys a comfortable life due to favorable external circumstances or resources. When those resources are exhausted, they face the harsh reality of survival. It serves as a reminder that true resilience is tested only when easy times end.

This proverb emphasizes that hard work leads to fruitful results, while laziness or procrastination leads to waste and decay. It is used to motivate someone to put in effort to reap rewards rather than letting opportunities rot away.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has already lost their reputation or is in a completely compromised position, and then tries to hide or be modest about minor things. It suggests that when the worst has already happened or been exposed, trivial attempts to maintain dignity or secrecy are hypocritical or pointless.

This proverb highlights the physical and visible remnants of a person's past circumstances. Someone who was once poor but became wealthy often retains a healthy, glowing appearance (plump cheeks) from their new prosperity. Conversely, someone who was once wealthy but lost everything often tries to maintain their dignity by wearing their old, high-quality clothes, which are now worn out or reflect their former status.

This proverb describes a situation where someone makes a decision or a deal based on incomplete information or superficial appearances. Just as one cannot judge the health or value of a buffalo while it is submerged in water, making a commitment without seeing the full picture often leads to risk or loss.