గ్రాసం లేని కొలువు, మీసం లేని బ్రతుకు

In Telugu culture, a mustache is often seen as a symbol of pride, dignity, and masculinity. This proverb is used to criticize someone who lacks a sense of honor or fails to stand up for themselves despite their outward appearance of strength or maturity. It suggests that external symbols of dignity are useless if one does not possess the inner character or 'Rosham' (self-respect/righteous anger) to back it up.

This expression describes something that is incomplete or lacks the essential elements that give it character or dignity. Just as a festive house is incomplete without a 'thoranam' (decorative leaf garland) and a musical band feels lackluster without the 'veeranam' (a type of powerful drum), a situation or object is seen as dull or ineffective when its primary decorative or functional feature is missing.

This proverb emphasizes that tools or skills alone are useless without the bravery or determination to use them. Just as a sharp sword is ineffective in the hands of a coward, resources are only valuable when paired with a bold spirit.

This proverb emphasizes that certain things are incomplete or ineffective without their essential components. Just as a royal assembly lacks dignity without the sound of the veeranam (drum), a traditional sweet like Boore will not be tasty or soft if the batter/filling isn't soaked or fermented properly. It is used to highlight the importance of fundamental requirements for any task or entity to be successful.

This proverb highlights that certain things are meaningless or futile without their core essential element. Just as a poem is dry and unappealing without 'rasa' (emotion/aesthetic flavor), a job or service is useless if it does not provide 'grasam' (sustenance/livelihood). It is used to describe a situation that lacks its primary purpose or reward.

This proverb emphasizes that every effect must have a cause. Just as a traditional sweet is incomplete without its stuffing and a wedding feels incomplete without music, every event or action in life is inevitably linked to a prior reason or motive. It is used to suggest that nothing happens by pure chance without an underlying reason.

This expression refers to a job or position that provides no salary, benefits, or basic means of survival. It is used to describe an unrewarding occupation where the effort put in does not yield even the most essential returns.

* Obra feita dinheiro espera.

This proverb highlights the importance of companionship. Just as a top cannot be spun or controlled without a string, a person's life is seen as directionless, unstable, or incomplete without a life partner or soulmate to support and balance them.

This expression highlights things that are hollow or incomplete. It suggests that wealth is meaningless without a family to share it with, just as having a famous name or reputation is empty if it is not backed by actual knowledge or expertise.

This expression refers to a job or position that does not provide enough salary or benefits to meet basic living needs. It is used to describe unrewarding work or a situation where the effort put in far exceeds the meager compensation received.