గంజి తాగినా, లంజ కావాలి

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the effort or investment put into a task is exactly equal to the reward or result gained, leaving no profit or surplus. It refers to a break-even scenario or a hand-to-mouth existence where one works just enough to survive.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort put into a task is exactly equal to the reward or compensation received, resulting in no net gain or profit. It is used to express that someone's hard work only managed to cover their basic sustenance or expenses, leaving them in a break-even state.

This proverb describes a perfect match or a natural compatibility between two entities. Just as a child reflects the traits of the mother or a porch is built to complement the structure of a house, it is used to highlight that someone or something is exactly as expected given their origin or environment.

This expression describes a situation where someone acts as if they are doing a great favor or showing generosity, when in reality, they are only giving the other person what already belongs to them or what they have earned through their own hard work. It highlights arrogance and false charity.

This proverb is used to point out when someone focuses on a minor byproduct or a trivial secondary outcome while ignoring the main objective. It suggests that one shouldn't perform a major task just for a small, insignificant benefit.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe things or people that lose their value, utility, or charm once they pass their prime. Just as an overripe okra becomes too fibrous to cook, certain roles or states of being become problematic or ineffective if they persist too long beyond their ideal time.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who is already in a miserable or poor state (drinking simple gruel) has an unnecessary assistant or a hanger-on performing a trivial task. It is used to mock people who maintain high airs despite poverty, or to describe having useless assistants when the task at hand is very simple.

This proverb is used to describe two things or people that are perfectly matched in quality, character, or behavior. It is often used to remark on how a child's traits mirror their parent's, or how an environment is perfectly suited to its occupants.

This proverb is used to describe an act that is utterly futile or a waste of effort. A cotton-beater (pinjari) works with such intense focus and noise while cleaning cotton that they remain completely oblivious to their surroundings. Similarly, doing something scandalous or seeking attention from someone who is too preoccupied or indifferent to notice is useless.

This phrase refers to a person who is assigned to watch over a specific corner or a border area. In a broader metaphorical sense, it is often used to describe someone who is protective of their territory or a person who holds a position of oversight in a specific niche or remote area.