ఎంగిలిచేత కాకిని తోలనివాడు భిక్షం పెట్టునా

This proverb is equivalent to the English saying 'Man proposes, God disposes'. It is used to describe situations where human plans fail or take an unexpected turn due to fate or circumstances beyond one's control.

This expression describes a person who is extremely stingy and deceptive. The first part refers to someone so miserly they wouldn't even share food with a cat. The second part refers to someone who uses unreliable or irrelevant witnesses (like a mouse for a human wedding) to validate their questionable claims or status.

This is a popular Telugu saying related to the third day of the Sankranti festival, called 'Kanuma'. It signifies that on this day, people should stay at home, rest, and avoid traveling. It emphasizes the cultural tradition where even animals (like the crow) are expected to remain still or within their territory, suggesting that no one should undertake long journeys or move away from their family and roots on this specific festive day.

This proverb is used to criticize hypocrites who try to solve other people's problems or lead society while failing to fulfill their basic responsibilities at home. It highlights the irony of someone seeking respect or power externally when they are incompetent or neglectful in their personal life.

This expression is used to describe an extreme miser or a very stingy person. It suggests that the person is so greedy or poor-hearted that they wouldn't even offer a tiny bit of food to a housefly or provide a small portion for ritual charity. It is used to highlight someone's total lack of generosity.

Ili is applied to the grains of raw rice religiously offered to ants, &c. Bali is the food given in the same manner to crows before commencing a meal. He'll flay a flint. Dogs run away with whole shoulders.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person. In Telugu culture, flicking away leftover rice while eating is a trivial act of giving; if someone is unwilling to do even that, they are considered exceptionally greedy or uncharitable.

Said of a great miser.

This expression is used to highlight that one cannot give to others what they do not possess themselves. It is often used in a cynical or realistic sense to point out that a person who is struggling or lacking resources cannot be expected to help others or provide charity.

This proverb emphasizes the virtues of motherhood and charity. It suggests that those who perform selfless acts—such as raising children or helping the needy—will always be blessed, protected, and will never face total ruin in life due to the good karma they have accumulated.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timeliness and hard work in agriculture. 'Egili' refers to plowing early in the morning. It suggests that if one starts their work at the right time and follows a disciplined routine, success is guaranteed even for those who are not particularly skilled or powerful.

This proverb suggests that if a person cannot manage their own domestic affairs or immediate responsibilities, they are unlikely to be capable of leading or controlling a larger group of people. It is used to mock the leadership claims of those who lack discipline in their personal lives.