దొలుపుడు ముద్దకు నలుపుడు కారం

This expression is used to remark that dark skin or the color black is auspicious and divine, referring to Lord Vishnu (Narayana) who is traditionally depicted with a dark complexion. It is often said to challenge colorism or to compliment someone with a dark skin tone.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Two wrongs don't make a right.' It suggests that combining two negative actions, lies, or mistakes will not result in a positive outcome or the truth.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone experiences frequent interruptions or obstacles right at the beginning of every small step or action. It refers to a person who keeps starting over or hesitating constantly, making no real progress.

This expression warns against acting upon rumors or gossip without verification. It suggests that paying heed to malicious talk or the instigations of others will ultimately lead to one's own downfall or harm.

This proverb is used to criticize the act of judging an entire family or group based on the perceived physical flaws or mistakes of a single individual (specifically a new entrant like a daughter-in-law). It highlights that one person's traits do not define or diminish the status of the whole collective.

This proverb is used to describe an individual's inherent nature or character. It suggests that a person's basic personality, especially if it is flawed or wicked, cannot be changed by external efforts, advice, or superficial improvements. It is similar to the English expression 'A leopard cannot change its spots'.

This traditional Telugu proverb highlights the visual properties of colors in relation to physical appearance. It suggests that darker colors (black) tend to emphasize flaws, bends, or physical imperfections in an object or person, whereas brighter colors (specifically red) can mask or hide many more imperfections, making things look more attractive or seamless than they actually are.

This expression is used to question whether someone values the end result and productivity (pani) or if they are more concerned with the effort and hardship (paatu) involved. It is often used to remind someone that the outcome is what matters most, or to ask if they are willing to endure the struggle to get the reward.

This proverb is used to emphasize that external appearance does not define internal quality or character. Just as a black cow still yields white milk, a person's outward look or status does not dictate their inner worth or the value of their contribution.

This proverb reflects traditional social biases where the qualities or perceived flaws of a new entrant (the daughter-in-law) are unfairly attributed to the reputation or lineage of the entire family. It is often used to describe how a single person's traits or actions are sometimes used by society to judge an entire community or group.