ఏనుగు తొండము, ఎదబట్టిన ముండ ఊరుకోవు

This proverb describes habitual behaviors that are difficult to change. Just as a person fond of traveling cannot stay in one place, a person who habitually uses foul language or criticizes others cannot remain silent. It is used to point out that deep-seated habits or inherent natures will eventually manifest themselves regardless of the situation.

This proverb highlights that certain bad habits are hard to break. Just as someone who has eaten something messy (charcoal) cannot hide the evidence or stop the discomfort, a person habitual to gossiping or bad-mouthing others cannot restrain themselves from doing it again. It is used to describe people who are prone to constant criticism or spreading rumors.

This proverb highlights that certain habits are hard to stop. Just as someone eating crunchy snacks (atukulu) cannot do so silently or without constant movement, a person who habitually gossips or criticizes others cannot resist the urge to speak ill. It is used to describe people who are prone to constant talking or malicious gossip.

This is a rhetorical expression or a riddle-like saying often used to discuss the cyclical nature of things or to question priorities. 'Eruvaka' refers to the traditional festival marking the beginning of the plowing season. It highlights the deep connection between the arrival of rains (rivers) and the start of agricultural activity.

This expression is used to describe a person who initially appears humble or unassuming, but as time passes, their true (often negative, arrogant, or troublesome) nature reveals itself. It is a sarcastic way of saying that someone's real character or 'true colors' become more evident the longer you know them.

This expression is used to describe a situation of extreme confusion, circular logic, or a 'chicken and egg' dilemma. It refers to the irony that a blacksmith needs a hammer to make pincers, but needs pincers to hold the metal to make a hammer. It is often used to mock someone who is confused about the order of operations or stuck in a paradox.

This proverb refers to the power of habits and addictions. It suggests that once someone gets a taste of freedom (wandering) or indulgence (tasty food), they cannot easily stop or stay still. It is used to describe people who are habitually restless or those who cannot control their cravings.

This proverb describes a situation where an experienced person says something casually or out of habit, but an inexperienced or fearful person takes it too seriously and reacts with unnecessary panic. It highlights how fear and lack of experience can lead one to misinterpret a trivial situation as a major crisis.

This expression describes the inherent nature of certain things or people to be constantly active or moving. A Brahmin's hand is traditionally busy with rituals, counting beads, or receiving alms, while an elephant's trunk is always swaying or searching. It is used to remark on someone who is restlessly busy or a situation where constant activity is inevitable.

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.