ఎంత తొండమున్నా దోమ ఏనుగు కాదు

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely unpredictable in their generosity. When they choose to give, they give in massive, overwhelming quantities (like the 'milk' or yield of a giant elephant), but they might also go long periods without giving anything at all. It refers to a temperament that is erratic—either total abundance or nothing.

This expression is used to describe an insignificant or negligible impact. It refers to a situation where a small addition or minor loss makes no difference to a person or an entity that is already vast, wealthy, or powerful.

This expression is used to describe something or someone that has lost its essential power, functionality, or core capability. Just as a machine cannot work without its joints and an elephant is helpless without its trunk, a person or organization becomes useless or ineffective when stripped of their vital strengths or resources.

This is a traditional Telugu riddle or a rhythmic expression used to describe something that seems familiar or close but is actually distinct. It is often used to refer to a mirror or a reflection, where the image looks like someone you know (a neighbor) or is contained in a vessel, but isn't actually that person or object.

This proverb is used to describe people who are always restless or constantly engaged in some activity. Just as an elephant's trunk is always moving or exploring and a priest's hand is constantly involved in rituals, prayers, or receiving offerings, some individuals have a habit of staying busy or meddling in something at all times.

This proverb describes a situation where an extremely powerful or large entity becomes completely helpless and useless due to the loss of a single, vital component. Just as an elephant relies entirely on its trunk to function despite its size, or a machine fails without its central mechanism, even the greatest person can be rendered ineffective if their core strength or support is taken away.

This proverb describes a situation where a powerful person faces a natural downfall or misfortune, and a weak, insignificant person takes credit for that downfall. It is used to mock those who boast about achievements that were actually caused by circumstances beyond their control.

This proverb highlights the restless nature of certain entities. Historically, a Brahmin (priest) is always busy performing rituals, chanting, or counting beads with his hand, while an elephant constantly moves its trunk in search of food or to explore its surroundings. It is used to describe people who are always busy or cannot sit idle without doing something.

This proverb signifies that a person's inherent value, character, or status does not change based on their current circumstances or location. Whether in a high position or a low one, greatness remains greatness.

This proverb is used to describe people who think they can achieve greatness or a higher status simply by outward appearance or minor improvements. It implies that inner quality, true strength, or inherent nature cannot be changed through superficial growth. Just as a buffalo can never become an elephant no matter how big it grows, a person lacking true character or capability cannot become great just by imitating the external traits of greatness.