దింపుడు కళ్ళం ఆశ

This proverb emphasizes the importance of dignity and responsibility. It suggests that living without self-respect or social honor is loathsome. Additionally, it highlights the traditional social expectation that a man must be capable of providing for and protecting his wife, failing which his existence is seen as futile or disgraceful.

This proverb highlights that quality is superior to quantity. In a practical sense, it means that one highly capable or virtuous person is more valuable than a vast number of mediocre or ineffective people. It is often used to emphasize the importance of having one strong leader or a single brilliant idea over many insignificant ones.

This expression is used to describe guests or people who are so pleased with the hospitality, respect, or treatment they received that they feel compelled to return. It signifies that providing 'extra' effort or a second serving (literally or metaphorically) is what builds lasting relationships.

This expression refers to a traditional social dynamic in Telugu culture where a man (Bava) is often considered a potential suitor for his maternal uncle's or paternal aunt's daughter (Maradalu). It describes a situation where someone has a natural inclination, expectation, or long-standing interest in a particular person or outcome due to customary ties or familiarity.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something is permanently lost or a decision is irreversible. Just as a dead body taken to the cemetery will never come back to life, it signifies that certain actions, spent money, or lost opportunities are gone forever and cannot be retrieved.

This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of philosophical realizations or remorse. People often express deep wisdom or regret during somber moments (like a funeral), but quickly return to their usual habits and desires once they are back in the comfort of their daily lives.

In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.

This expression refers to a last-minute, lingering, or desperate hope held even when a situation is nearly hopeless or at its final stage. It originates from the practice of checking for signs of life one last time while lowering a body during funeral rites.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.

This expression is used to describe someone who is reaching the very end of their life or is extremely old. It signifies that their connection to the living world (the village) is fading, while their transition to death (the graveyard) is imminent.