దప్పికి నీళ్ళివ్వనతడు ఇష్టాన్నమివ్వగలడా?

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 when someone is presented with two options that lead to the same result, or when someone is trying to act like they are giving a choice when they actually are not. In village rituals, Pothuraju is the deity to whom a ram (pottelu) is sacrificed. Whether one chooses the deity or the sacrifice, the ram's fate remains the same. It is used to describe a 'no-win' situation or a choice between two equally difficult or identical outcomes.

This expression refers to someone who ignores the basics or ground realities and attempts something overly ambitious or unrealistic. It describes a person who lacks a solid foundation or practical understanding before trying to achieve complex goals.

This proverb highlights certainty and inevitability. It refers to the Uttara rain/monsoon season, where it is believed that if it thunders, rain is guaranteed to fall. Similarly, it suggests that certain consequences or natural events are irreversible and bound to happen once initiated.

This proverb describes a situation where someone can easily destroy or disrupt something but lacks the skill, wisdom, or capability to actually benefit from it or handle the outcome. It is used to critique people who act impulsively or destructively without a plan for the final goal.

This expression refers to a remedy that makes the original problem worse. Just as drinking fatty clarified butter (ghee) increases thirst instead of quenching it like water, it describes taking an action that is counterproductive or aggravates a difficult situation.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a problem or an unwanted person returns immediately after being sent away, or when one trouble is replaced by another equally persistent one. It highlights the futility of temporary fixes for deep-rooted problems.

This expression is used to highlight that tastes and preferences differ from person to person. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'To each their own' or 'Different strokes for different folks.' It suggests that one should respect individual choices because everyone has their own unique likes and dislikes.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a gross mismatch in a partnership, leading to inevitable dissatisfaction or misery. It highlights the frustration that arises when one's desires or energy levels are significantly higher than those of their partner or the circumstances they are tied to.

This proverb highlights absolute certainty and the irreversible nature of specific events. It refers to the 'Uttara Karthe' (a period in the lunar calendar) where rains are traditionally believed to be guaranteed and heavy. Just as a bite from a snake chasing its prey is fatal and inevitable, the effects of certain actions or natural phenomena are final and cannot be undone or avoided.