గూబ ఎక్కిన గృహము కూలు

This is a historical and traditional Sanskrit verse often cited in Telugu culture as a 'sameta' or satirical proverb. It reflects archaic social beliefs regarding the presence of widows (shaven-headed women in ancient times) in a household. In contemporary usage, it is often quoted to highlight how an accumulation of misfortune, bad luck, or mismanagement (symbolized here by the widows according to old superstitions) can lead to escalating levels of ruin from a single home to an entire kingdom.

This proverb highlights situations that are inherently unsustainable or out of place. Just as water quickly evaporates or drains off a flat, non-porous rock, certain things cannot endure in environments that are fundamentally incompatible with their nature or requirements.

This proverb serves as a moral warning against slander. It suggests that speaking ill of others (Paraninda) brings misfortune to one's household, while insulting or criticizing a saintly person or a monk (Yatininda) brings spiritual ruin that can wipe out one's entire family line or reputation.

This expression is used to describe someone who is short-tempered or gets angry very quickly and easily. It implies that their anger is always 'at the ready' right on their face.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb rooted in superstition. It implies that if an owl (traditionally considered an ill omen in some contexts) perches on a house, it brings bad luck or destruction to the family living there. In a broader sense, it is used to suggest that certain bad signs or the presence of negative influences can lead to the downfall of a home or organization.

This proverb is used to convey that people in society have diverse opinions and often engage in gossip or criticism, much like the incessant cawing of crows. It suggests that one should not take public criticism too seriously because it is the nature of the world to talk.

This expression highlights the importance of a woman in a household. It suggests that a home blessed with a virtuous, wise, and kind woman is equivalent to a temple or a place of divine prayer, emphasizing that her presence brings sanctity and prosperity to the family.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone brings an ill-fated or unlucky element into a celebratory and auspicious occasion. In Telugu culture, owls are often associated with bad omens or ill luck; hence, bringing one to a housewarming (an event meant for prosperity) signifies doing something that invites negativity or ruin at the very start of a new venture.

Grithapravēḷa is a ceremony only to be performed at an auspicious hour and in the absence of every bad omen. The owl is a peculiarly bad omen. Keeping company with your ill-wishers.

This expression is used to convey that people will always find something to gossip about or criticize, regardless of what one does. Just as crows caw incessantly, society often engages in relentless talk or judgment. It is used to advise someone to ignore public opinion or gossip.

This expression describes a situation where one person experiences a joyful or auspicious milestone while another person simultaneously faces a tragedy or disaster. It is used to highlight sharp contrasts in fortune within the same household or group, or to describe a bitter-sweet moment where a gain is offset by a severe loss.

Applied to a great calamity happening when most unlooked for. Also to a luckless woman. After a dream of a wedding comes a corpse.