దొంగిలించేటంత దొరతనముండగా, అడుక్కుతినేటంత అదమతనమేల?

A cynical proverb suggesting that certain inherent natures or roles are unlikely to change. It implies that just as an effeminate man lacks true masculinity, a mother-in-law (in the traditional stereotypical sense) is unlikely to show genuine kindness toward her daughter-in-law. It is used to express skepticism about someone acting against their established character or role.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to rainfall patterns. It suggests that if the moon enters the 'Hasta' constellation (nakshatra) on a Sunday during the monsoon season, it will result in extremely heavy, torrential rainfall.

This proverb is used to criticize or mock ineffective or disorganized leadership. It suggests that just as a temple priest (Tambali) is not traditionally seen as a ruling authority, certain types of management might be weak, fussy, or lack real power, leading to chaos or poor results.

This is a famous moral teaching from Vemana Satakam. It suggests that self-control is the greatest virtue. Uncontrolled anger causes harm to oneself more than others, acting as an internal enemy, while maintaining a peaceful and calm composure serves as a shield against life's troubles.

This is a sarcastic or cynical proverb used to describe a person with a twisted sense of pride or a 'criminal' ego. It suggests that the person considers begging or asking for help to be more humiliating or 'unjust' than the act of stealing. It is used to mock someone who prefers dishonest means over humble requests.

This proverb is used to criticize situations where people who are perceived as weak or unsuitable for leadership are given authority, suggesting that such leadership will be ineffective or lack real power. Historically, 'Tamballa' referred to a specific community of temple priests who were often seen as non-assertive, and this expression draws a parallel between their perceived nature and the leadership of women (reflecting traditional patriarchal views). It is used to mock a household or organization where the leadership is seen as weak or disorderly.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a problem or an ailment has ostensibly 'healed' or been resolved, yet the remaining mark, consequence, or side-effect is still massive and problematic. It highlights cases where the solution hasn't truly diminished the overall burden or visibility of the issue.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is determined to find fault or be aggressive regardless of the outcome or the effort put in. It is used to characterize people who are impossible to please or those who use any excuse—even contradictory ones—to harass or criticize others.

This proverb suggests that it is wiser to avoid a dangerous or compromising situation and be ridiculed for it, rather than getting caught and suffering severe consequences. It emphasizes self-preservation over pride.

This proverb is used to emphasize that certain qualities or assets are useless if they don't serve their primary purpose or lack essential dignity. In traditional context, 'Aidavathanam' refers to the status of a sumangali (married woman). The saying suggests that beauty without the grace of a settled, meaningful life is of no value, similar to how great talent is wasted without character or opportunity.