దున్నక వేసిన ఆముదాలు, ఆసాదికిచ్చిన అప్ప తిరిగిరావు

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely lazy or lacks initiative. It refers to a person who, when given a large task (circling the village), performs the smallest, most effortless version of it (circling the grinding stone inside the house) and claims they are finished.

This expression highlights that everything essential for human survival—be it food (stomach) or fiber for clothing (clothes)—originates from the Earth. It is used to emphasize our dependence on nature and the importance of agriculture and the land.

This proverb describes investments or expenses that yield no return. Just as whitewash stays on the wall and cannot be reclaimed, money spent on fleeting pleasures or unproductive people is lost forever. It is used to warn someone about wasting resources on things that provide no long-term value or recovery.

This proverb is used to warn against spending money on useless or unproductive pursuits where there is no chance of recovery. Just as lime becomes part of the wall and cannot be reclaimed, money spent on fleeting pleasures or with untrustworthy people is gone forever.

This traditional proverb suggests that when someone returns after a long absence (specifically a wife returning to her husband's home), their value is appreciated more, similar to how 'tadka' or seasoning (tiragabotha) enhances the flavor of a dish. It is used to describe the renewed affection or appreciation for someone or something after a period of separation or refinement.

This is a humorous and sarcastic Telugu saying used to describe a situation where something is lost forever with zero chance of recovery. Just as a goat cannot escape once caught in a tiger's jaws, money lent to certain unreliable people (punning on the name 'Apparao' which contains the word 'Appu' meaning debt) is considered a permanent loss.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is prepared for two possible outcomes, often in farming or business. Castor plants grow in low rainfall, while pigeon peas need more rain. It signifies a win-win strategy or a fallback plan where regardless of the circumstances, there will be some form of harvest or benefit.

This expression is used to describe something that is fixed, permanent, or impossible to undo. Just as a wet knot becomes tighter and harder to untie, and turmeric applied to a cauterized wound stays fixed to the skin, this phrase refers to a decision or situation that is finalized and unchangeable.

This expression is used to describe a person who does not understand instructions properly or takes an unnecessarily long and round-about way to do a simple task. It highlights inefficiency or foolishness in following directions.

This proverb is used to describe investments or ventures that require upfront borrowing or initial expenditure but eventually yield high enough profits to cover both the new and old debts. It highlights the value of productive assets.