ఎంత పండినా కూటికే, ఎంత ఉండినా కాటికే.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the income or result from a project is barely enough to cover the basic expenses or survival costs, leaving no room for profit or savings. Historically, farming in the Kolleru lake region was unpredictable due to floods, often yielding just enough to eat.

This proverb is used to say that outward appearance or physical growth cannot change one's inherent nature, character, or status. Just as a pig cannot become a divine bull by simply gaining weight, an unworthy person cannot become noble or great just by acquiring wealth or power.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one's obligations, debts, or taxes must be paid regardless of their personal circumstances or success. It highlights the rigid and often unforgiving nature of certain systems or responsibilities.

This expression is used to describe someone who claims to eat very little (has a throat as narrow as a needle) but grows as large as a demon, or more commonly, someone who pretends to be very frugal or modest while actually being extremely greedy or having insatiable desires.

This proverb emphasizes the necessity of labor regardless of the outcome. In an agricultural context, it means whether the crop yields a harvest (ripens) or fails due to drought (withers), the farmer's hard work must continue. It is used to describe situations where one must fulfill their duties and keep working, irrespective of success, failure, or external circumstances.

This expression is used to convey that the real celebration or reward occurs only when efforts yield fruit. It emphasizes that success and prosperity are the true causes for celebration, rather than just the arrival of a calendar date.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb highlighting the importance of growing hardy millet crops. It suggests that these crops are reliable and provide food security even during tough times, ensuring that the household never faces hunger or poverty.

This proverb highlights the cyclical and inevitable nature of life and worldly affairs. It conveys that everything that begins must end, everything that rises must eventually fall, and fluctuations (like market prices) are a natural part of existence. It is used to suggest that change is the only constant and to encourage stoicism during transitions.

This expression suggests that regardless of a man's education, wisdom, worldly experience, or social status, he is ultimately susceptible to the charms and influence of a woman. It is often used to describe how even the most powerful or intellectual men can become weak or subservient when it comes to their romantic interests or the women in their lives.

This expression is used to describe someone who shows maturity, wisdom, or behaviors far beyond their actual age, often used in the context of a child acting like an adult or being 'precocious'. It can also imply someone who has gained experience or 'ripened' prematurely.