దూడ పాలు దుత్తకే సరిపోయె

This expression refers to a situation where someone tries to imitate others' superior skills or lifestyle but fails to master them, while simultaneously losing their own natural abilities or original identity. It is used to describe someone who ends up 'nowhere' by trying to be someone they are not.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a large amount of resources is entirely consumed by a very small or preliminary part of a task, leaving nothing for the main objective. It highlights inadequacy or extreme wastefulness.

This proverb describes the critical stage of a paddy crop when the grain starts forming inside the sheath (the 'pregnancy' stage of the plant). During this specific phase, the crop requires an abundance of water to ensure a good yield. It is used to highlight that certain tasks or life stages require specific, heavy investment or care at the right moment to be successful.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'One size does not fit all.' It is used to suggest that a single approach, solution, or rule cannot be applied to everyone or every situation uniformly, as individual needs and circumstances vary.

This expression describes a situation where a person loses their original possessions or status while unsuccessfully trying to gain something more. It is used to caution against excessive greed or poor decision-making that results in a total loss of both the old and the new.

This expression is used to question where a resource or money went when there is nothing to show for it. It highlights a situation where something has been consumed or spent, but the result is neither productive (like a calf growing) nor preserved (like milk stored in a pot). It is typically used when someone is unaccountable for losses or missing items.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person's entire income or earnings are completely consumed by small, everyday expenses or personal luxuries, leaving no room for savings or significant investments. It highlights a hand-to-mouth existence where expenses always rise to meet the level of income.

This proverb describes a situation where the output of a long or laborious effort is so meager that it barely covers the most basic or personal requirement, leaving nothing for others or for the intended purpose. It is used to mock inefficiency or projects where the results are disproportionately small compared to the time and effort invested.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the profit or benefit gained from an endeavor is so small that it barely covers one's immediate needs or is just enough to fit in a small cloth. It typically refers to meager earnings or a share that doesn't live up to expectations.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone exaggerates the value or quantity of something only after it is lost or gone. It mocks people who claim a great loss but didn't value the object much when it was actually available.