దప్పికి నేయి త్రాగినట్లు

This proverb describes a situation where a person lacks the basic necessities for survival (like drinking water) but spends resources or attention on superficial or unnecessary luxuries (like using gruel as a hair conditioner). It is used to mock misplaced priorities or someone who puts on appearances despite being in extreme poverty.

Aṭakali is an expensive preparation used for cleansing the head.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a completely useless or harmful action and then tries to follow it up with something normal or helpful to cover it up. It signifies a futile attempt to rectify a foolish mistake or refers to an action that yields no benefit despite the effort.

This expression is used to describe a person who is stingy even with basic, low-cost necessities. It implies that if someone is unwilling to help with a small or essential favor (like giving water to a thirsty person), it is foolish to expect them to do something big or generous (like providing a grand meal). It is used to highlight the character of a miser or an unreliable person.

This expression is used to describe a situation where all the effort put into helping someone or completing a task goes to waste because the subject is uncooperative, inconsistent, or constantly changing. It highlights the frustration of doing labor for someone who undermines the progress as quickly as it is made.

This expression is used to describe a situation where people gather around something that is useless, worthless, or has already been drained of its value. It highlights the futility of chasing after remains or leftovers that offer no real benefit.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is lazy, incapable, or lacks strength attempts to do something in a very inefficient or half-hearted manner, or tries to enjoy benefits without putting in the necessary hard work. It highlights the irony of a person who claims they cannot work but has the energy to consume rich or luxurious things.

This expression is used when someone pretends to despise or belittle something they want but cannot achieve or obtain. It is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Sour Grapes' idiom from Aesop's Fables, describing a defensive mechanism where one disparages an unattainable goal to save face.

This proverb is used to point out that even if a resource is plentiful, high-quality or luxury items will still remain expensive and rare. It highlights the inherent value of a commodity regardless of the surrounding environment or context.

This proverb highlights that certain valuable resources or efforts are wasted on those who cannot appreciate or utilize them properly. Just as a dog cannot digest or value a rich meal like ghee-rice (and might even fall sick or return to its basic instincts), imparting knowledge or wisdom to an ungrateful or malicious person is futile and potentially counterproductive.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where people gather or flock around something that is essentially useless, valueless, or has already been exhausted of its essence. It implies a waste of effort or misplaced interest in something that no longer offers any real benefit.