హస్తినిజాతి పుట్టుక, శంఖిణీ జాతి బుద్ధులు

This proverb describes a person's hypocrisy or fickle nature. It refers to someone who appears very pious and moral while listening to religious discourses or moral advice, but immediately reverts to their old, bad habits once they leave the environment. It is used to criticize those who do not practice what they hear or preach.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe people who are timid, cowardly, or lack any real substance. Just as a coriander seed is easily crushed or lacks strength, this phrase refers to someone who retreats easily or has no 'spine' or courage.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe someone who pretends to be virtuous or loyal while their true character is quite the opposite. In traditional literature, a 'Shankini' is categorized as a type of woman with negative traits; hence, claiming she is a paragon of chastity is an oxymoron used to mock hypocrisy.

This expression suggests that inherent characteristics or basic instincts associated with one's origin, upbringing, or lineage are difficult to change. It is often used to point out that a person's fundamental behavior inevitably reflects their roots or true nature, regardless of external changes.

This proverb is used to suggest that what a person lacks in physical stature or height, they often make up for with extreme cleverness, wit, or cunningness. It implies that short people are exceptionally sharp-minded.

According to ancient classifications of women (Shastra), a Padmini represents the highest ideal of grace and virtue, while a Shankhini represents a harsh or argumentative nature. This expression is used to question how someone with a naturally difficult or inferior character could suddenly exhibit noble or sophisticated traits. It is often used sarcastically to point out that one's true nature cannot be easily hidden or changed.

This proverb suggests that physical size is not an indicator of capability or intelligence. Just as a small hill chili (bird's eye chili) can be much hotter than a large one, a person of short stature is often perceived to be exceptionally sharp-witted, cunning, or resourceful to compensate for their size. It is used to caution others not to underestimate someone based on their physical appearance.

This is a popular Telugu saying used to suggest that what a person lacks in physical stature, they make up for with extreme cleverness, wit, or cunning. It is often used playfully or as a cautionary remark about not underestimating someone based on their small height.

This proverb is used to describe things that are non-existent or irrelevant. It suggests that just as one does not look for moral character (ethics) in a prostitute's profession or a specific lineage (caste) in a monk who has renounced worldly ties, it is futile to search for certain qualities in people or situations where they naturally cannot exist.

This proverb is used to describe a mismatch in a couple, particularly regarding physical stature, personality, or status. It depicts a situation where the wife is significantly larger, stronger, or more dominant than the husband, highlighting an comical or awkward imbalance between partners.