దొంగకు దొంగ బుద్ధి, దొరకు దొర బుద్ధి.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is in a position of loss or risk, and they should be content with whatever they can recover or save. It also implies that for a person with bad intentions, even a small gain is a victory. It is often used to suggest that one should settle for whatever is available rather than risking everything for more.

This proverb highlights the irony of social status based on being caught. It is used to describe a situation where someone's reputation depends entirely on whether their dishonest actions are discovered. As long as their crimes are hidden, they are respected as a gentleman or 'Dora' (lord), but the moment they are caught, they are labeled a thief.

This expression is used to describe how people with similar bad habits, questionable characters, or dishonest intentions tend to support and protect each other. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'Birds of a feather flock together' or 'Honor among thieves', often used in a negative context to highlight collusion between wrongdoers.

This proverb is used to describe hypocritical people who maintain a respectable image in society as long as their misdeeds remain hidden. It implies that many people are only considered 'honorable' or 'gentlemen' because they haven't been caught yet, highlighting that status often depends on the public eye rather than true character.

This expression suggests that for someone who is gaining something through illicit means or luck rather than hard work, even a small amount is a bonus. It is used to describe situations where people should be satisfied with whatever they can get when they have no right to it in the first place.

This expression is used to signify that the value or price of an item is subjective and depends entirely on the buyer's need or the seller's demand. It implies that there is no fixed 'authority' over a price; if someone is willing to pay, that becomes the price. It is often used in negotiations or when discussing unique, antique, or high-demand items.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to suggest that women think differently or more deeply than men, often implying that they come up with clever solutions later or have a unique perspective that isn't immediately obvious. While historically sometimes used dismissively, it is also used to acknowledge a woman's intuitive or strategic thinking.

Lit. in the back of the head.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone behaves perversely or acts contrary to logic and common sense. It highlights a mismatch in expectations or a stubborn, backward way of thinking, much like how a crab moves sideways instead of straight.

This expression is used to describe a person who plays both sides or colludes in a crime. It refers to someone who assists a criminal (thief) in their act while simultaneously acting as a false witness to the authority (lord) to cover up the crime or mislead the investigation.

This proverb states that a person's character and actions are determined by their innate nature or social standing. It is used to explain that individuals will consistently act according to their established traits or upbringing, whether those are dishonest or noble.