గాడిద పరుగెత్తినదేమంటే, గుంపులో చేరబట్టి బెదురు తీరింది అన్నాడట

This expression refers to a person who is incredibly stubborn, unyielding, or sticks firmly to their own way of doing things regardless of external influence. It is often used to describe someone who behaves in a peculiar or unpredictable manner, much like the legendary character Vemanna who was known for his eccentric or firm traits.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone, in an attempt to escape a small or manageable problem, ends up in a much more dangerous or severe predicament. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'out of the frying pan and into the fire'.

This expression describes a person who is hypocritical or double-dealing. It refers to someone who pretends to be a friend to both sides of a conflict, or someone who tries to support opposing interests simultaneously for their own benefit.

Similar to the English proverb 'Birds of a feather flock together,' this expression is used to describe how people with similar characters, interests, or backgrounds naturally gravitate towards each other.

This proverb highlights the immense value and comfort of a simple, wholesome meal like dal-rice (pappannam). It is used to describe how someone is willing to go to great lengths or travel long distances for something they truly cherish or find satisfying, often used in the context of food or simple pleasures.

This satirical proverb describes someone who is extremely inefficient or slow despite having plenty of time. Even though she started her chores at dawn (when the crow caws), she managed to cook poorly and was still rushing frantically to serve the meal by sunset (when the cattle return). It is used to mock people who waste time and create unnecessary chaos at the last minute.

This proverb is used to describe an extremely lazy, sluggish, or unresponsive person. Just as a heavy rainfall cannot move a massive, stationary hill, no amount of motivation, pressure, or change in circumstances can make a fundamentally idle person act or change their ways.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one should be firm or defensive against an adversary rather than being overly kind or lenient. It highlights that enemies are meant to be dealt with strictly, and expecting or showing affection in a hostile situation is foolish or illogical.

This expression describes items or individuals that are in their most effective or dangerous state. Just as a knife is most useful when sharpened (tari), a person (historically used in the context of a captive woman or 'kutthi' meaning a young woman/slave) is most vulnerable or completely under someone's control. In modern usage, it highlights the peak state of readiness or the absolute influence one holds over something.

This proverb describes someone who completes the hardest part of a task or a long journey successfully, but fails, panics, or acts foolishly at the very last moment. It is used to critique lack of endurance or composure during the final stages of an endeavor.