గింజలు ముత్తుము, పిట్టలు పన్నిద్దుము

This is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Chicken or the egg' paradox. It is used to describe a circular argument or a situation where it is impossible to determine which of two interacting things is the cause of the other.

This expression is used to describe a situation where people naturally gravitate towards a source of profit, help, or abundance. Just as birds gather at a 'chelama' (a small pit of water dug in a dried-up riverbed) during dry times, people flock to those who have wealth or resources.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the resources or benefits are limited, but the claimants or consumers are many. It highlights an imbalance between supply and demand, often used when too many people are trying to share a small profit or space.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the resources or results are insufficient because they are being consumed or wasted by many small, unnecessary factors. It highlights how the overhead or the number of dependents can drastically reduce the final outcome, leaving very little for the actual purpose.

This proverb describes a situation where a person suffers a large loss while chasing a very small gain. It is used to mock poor planning or misplaced priorities where the effort to earn something tiny results in neglecting and losing something much more valuable.

This proverb describes a situation where a person suffers a large loss while trying to achieve a small gain. It is used to highlight poor prioritization or scenarios where the cost of an endeavor far outweighs the potential reward.

This proverb describes a situation where one incurs a massive loss while trying to save a small amount of money or while focusing on minor expenses. It is used to highlight poor management or irony when the overhead/accidental losses far exceed the actual cost of work.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort to earn a small gain results in a much larger loss. It is used when someone's attempt to save or earn a little bit of money backfires, leading to a significant setback or waste at home due to their absence or lack of oversight. (Note: A 'toomu' is a larger measurement than a 'kuncham'.)

A tūmu is a measure equal to 4 kunchams. One step forwards and two backwards.

In agriculture, this proverb highlights the importance of timely rain. 'Edumu' and 'Muttumu' are traditional units of measurement. It means that it is better to have a smaller, healthy harvest resulting from moisture/rain (even if slightly over-saturated) than to hope for a larger harvest that eventually withers away due to dry conditions or drought. It emphasizes that basic sustenance from reliable conditions is superior to the promise of abundance under failing conditions.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a small investment or effort leads to a significant and abundant return. It highlights productivity, prosperity, and the reward of good fortune or hard work.