చెప్పలు ఉన్నా చెప్పులు తెగినా చుట్టరికం తప్పదు

This expression emphasizes financial integrity and responsibility. It suggests that one should only borrow money if they have a clear intention and plan to repay it, rather than worrying about repayment only when the deadline approaches. It is used to advise people to be cautious and honest in their financial dealings.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person who refuses to help others even in a dire emergency or for a very small cost. In olden days, lime paste was used as a quick first aid for small cuts; the phrase suggests the person is so greedy they wouldn't even spare a tiny bit of lime to stop someone's bleeding.

This proverb is used to describe a hypocritical person who avoids responsibility or hides when it is their turn to perform a task, yet eagerly gives advice and lectures others on how to do things perfectly. It is similar to the English expression 'Practicing what you preach.'

This proverb highlights the difference between a sycophant and a true well-wisher. Someone who always tells you what you want to hear (making you laugh/happy) might be leading you toward a downfall by ignoring your mistakes. In contrast, a true friend or mentor who criticizes you or tells you harsh truths (making you cry/sad) actually helps you improve and succeed in life.

This is a traditional proverb emphasizing social conformity and the importance of adhering to structural or communal norms. It suggests that just as a building's rafter (vaasam) must align perfectly with the main beam (paaru) to remain stable, marriages and social relations should stay within traditional boundaries to maintain social order.

This expression emphasizes that keeping one's word or performing a duty reliably is far superior to making grand promises or giving empty advice. It highlights the importance of integrity and action over mere eloquence.

This proverb advises caution when picking fights. A person with footwear has a physical advantage in a scuffle, while a person in heavy debt has nothing left to lose and may act desperately or recklessly. It serves as a warning to consider the opponent's situation before engaging in conflict.

This proverb warns that paying attention to hearsay, rumors, or others' manipulative talk without verifying the facts will eventually lead to harm or disaster. It is used to advise someone to be wary of people who try to influence them with gossip.

This expression is used to describe a person who gives advice to everyone else but fails to follow that same advice in their own life. It highlights hypocrisy or the gap between preaching and practicing, similar to the English idiom 'Practice what you preach.'

This proverb highlights the folly of making permanent, harmful changes to oneself or a core system just to accommodate temporary or insignificant external constraints. It is used when someone tries to force a solution that causes more damage than the problem it is trying to solve.