ఎగదీస్తే బ్రహ్మహత్య, దిగతీస్తే గోహత్య

This proverb describes a situation where an unfortunate person is unfairly burdened with an enormous problem or a heavy accusation that they have no capacity to handle or resolve. In traditional contexts, 'Brahmahatya' (killing a Brahmin) was considered the ultimate sin with the heaviest consequences; a poor person facing such a charge would be completely helpless.

This expression highlights that for someone suffering from hunger, satisfying that basic need is the highest priority and equivalent to a divine experience. It is used to emphasize that practical necessities are more important than philosophy or spirituality when a person is in dire need.

This expression is used to describe a classic 'no-win' situation or a dilemma where every possible choice leads to a negative or sinful outcome. It represents being stuck between two equally bad alternatives where one cannot move forward or backward without causing harm.

This expression emphasizes that just as dietary restrictions (pathyam) are essential for medicine to be effective, honesty and truthfulness are essential for words to have value and credibility. It is used to highlight the importance of integrity in communication.

This proverb is a satirical take on professions that profit regardless of the outcome. It suggests that if a sick person recovers, the doctor earns money and fame, but if the person dies, the priest earns fees for performing the funeral rites. It is used to describe situations where certain parties benefit from both success and failure.

This expression is used to describe a person who is hesitant or reluctant to start something (often due to pride or shyness), but once they begin or arrive at a place (especially for a meal or a favor), they indulge uncontrollably and are impossible to stop. It highlights the irony of someone being difficult to invite but impossible to manage once they accept.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a major crime or mistake is conveniently covered up or forgotten due to a larger subsequent event or natural disaster. It implies that a significant sin or liability has been 'cleared' by chance or through a massive overwhelming occurrence, often used in a cynical sense about escaping accountability.

Kollêru and Krâpa are adjacent villages in the Krishna District.

This proverb is used to describe something that seems incredibly complex, mysterious, or impossible until you learn the secret or logic behind it. Once the skill is mastered or the trick is revealed, it appears trivial or simple. It is often used to encourage learners or to humble those who act as if their simple skills are profound.

Every thing is easy when you know it. All things are difficult before they are easy. All beginnings are hard, said the thief, and began by stealing an anvil. (Dutch.)* *Alle beginnings zijn zwaar, zei de dief, en voor de eerste maal stal hij een aanbeeld.

This expression is used to describe a state of pure, divine, or overwhelming joy. It suggests that true happiness is equivalent to 'Brahmananda' (the highest spiritual bliss). In common parlance, it is used when someone is exceptionally happy or satisfied with a situation.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where once a person is fully committed to a difficult or risky task, they no longer worry about small setbacks or inconveniences. It is similar to the idea that once you are in deep trouble, minor additional problems don't matter anymore, or 'over head, over ears.'