దూబరతిండికి దూడలు బతకవు, ఆణిమొద్దుకు ఆలు బతకవు

Quality of life is more important than quantity. It is better to live a short, dignified, and honorable life than to live a long life in disgrace or without any purpose.

This expression is used when someone who has worked hard feels insulted or undervalued when they receive the same reward or treatment as someone who did nothing but talk. It highlights the injustice of equal pay or credit for unequal effort.

This expression describes an unnatural, illogical, or topsy-turvy situation where things happen contrary to their nature. It is used to point out a state of injustice, corruption, or chaos where the deserving are neglected and the unworthy are elevated.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social dynamics. It suggests that in a place dominated by powerful, aggressive, or authoritative figures (metaphorically represented by Reddys in a village or dholes/wild dogs on a hill), others find it difficult to thrive or survive due to their dominance or fierce nature. It is used to describe environments where power is concentrated and others are suppressed.

This expression is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the qualities or potential of things that are already lost or projects that have failed. Just as a child who died at birth is often remembered as being exceptionally healthy or large, people often overstate the greatness of 'what could have been' in hindsight.

This proverb highlights the difference in consumption and needs based on temperament and lifestyle. A glutton (one who wastes or overeats) requires a large measure (Thumu), whereas a modest and disciplined person is satisfied with a small measure (Manika). It is used to describe how resources are consumed differently depending on one's self-control and character.

This expression describes an unnatural or chaotic situation where things are happening contrary to their nature or the established order. It is used when merit is ignored while incompetence is rewarded, or when the impossible happens while the obvious fails.

This expression is used to describe a topsy-turvy situation where things are happening contrary to their natural order or common sense. It refers to a scenario where heavy, solid things (boulders) are treated lightly or succeed, while light, buoyant things (corks) fail or are suppressed. It is often used to critique injustice, poor management, or illogical outcomes in society.

Bendu is the Eschynomene Indica from which pith hats, models, &c. are made. The order of nature reversed. * El abad de Bamba, lo que no puede comer, dalo por su alma,

This expression is used to convey that parents never feel their children are a burden, no matter how many there are or how difficult the circumstances. Just as a tree naturally supports its own fruit, a family or an individual willingly bears their own responsibilities without complaint.

This proverb signifies the unpredictable nature of fortune and time. It means that a wealthy person can become poor and a poor person can become wealthy; nothing in life is permanent. It is used to advise humility during success and hope during adversity.