గుడ్డకు జాడింపు, కూరకు తాలింపు, కోడలికి సాధింపు, లేకపోతే ఇంపులేదు.

This expression refers to the constant nitpicking, psychological pressure, or harassment a woman faces from her mother-in-law. In a broader sense, it is used to describe any situation where someone in a position of domestic authority or seniority constantly criticizes or torments someone under their care or control.

Among Hindus the husband's mother, when living, rules the house, and to her the wife is subject. The husband's mother is the wife's devil. (German.)* * Des Mannes Mutter ist der Frau Teufel. 2 ( 9 )

This expression emphasizes the essential qualities of communication and art. It suggests that just as a song must be melodious to be enjoyed, speech should be graceful, polite, and meaningful to be effective. It is used to describe someone who speaks beautifully or to highlight the importance of eloquence.

This proverb is used to describe human nature where people tend to overlook or even justify their own faults, bad habits, or mistakes while finding the same traits in others to be unbearable or disgusting. It highlights personal bias and double standards.

This expression highlights the essential finishing touches or actions that bring out the best quality in something. Just as tempering (seasoning) is vital for a curry's flavor, properly rinsing and snapping a saree makes it look crisp and beautiful. It is used to signify that certain processes are indispensable for a perfect result.

This expression suggests that the visual presentation of food directly affects how appetizing it feels. It is used to emphasize that if something looks good and clean, one feels comfortable and eager to consume it. It highlights the importance of aesthetics in culinary experiences.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is suffering from multiple sources of trouble or constant criticism. It compares the temporary but sharp remarks of a midwife during labor to the long-term, persistent nagging or harassment from a mother-in-law, illustrating a state of being surrounded by unpleasantness or being constantly found fault with.

This proverb suggests that when a warning or a soft correction (mandalippu) is ignored or backfires (bedisthe), it often results in serious trouble or peril. It is used to emphasize the importance of taking advice or warnings seriously before a situation escalates.

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that appears attractive, virtuous, or high-quality on the surface, but is actually rotten, hypocritical, or of poor quality internally. It is similar to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold' or referring to a 'whited sepulcher.'

This is a traditional Telugu proverb reflecting old social dynamics. It suggests that just as a cloth needs vigorous rinsing to be clean and a curry needs tempering (tadka) to be tasty, a daughter-in-law was traditionally thought to need 'discipline' or constant reminders (nagging) to be a good homemaker. It is often used to describe situations where someone is being unnecessarily nitpicked or controlled under the guise of improvement.

This proverb highlights human subjectivity and bias. It suggests that people are often blind to their own faults or mistakes (finding them acceptable or 'pleasant'), but are quick to find the faults of others repulsive or unbearable. It is used to describe situations where someone ignores their own shortcomings while criticizing others for the same.