ఇరుగు ఇంగలం పొరుగు మంగలం

This proverb is used to describe how gossip, conflicts, or conspiracies originate when two like-minded people with negative intentions get together. It suggests that their combined influence or conversation is enough to ignite trouble or spread rumors without any external spark or factual basis.

This expression describes a person who is highly unsocial, antisocial, or finds it difficult to get along with neighbors. Just as a snake gourd creeper needs a lot of space and tends to interfere with or be affected by surrounding plants, this refers to individuals who are constantly at odds with those living near them.

This proverb highlights that constant conflict or friction leads to destruction. Just as a clay pot wears down and breaks if it is constantly scraped, a neighborhood or relationship filled with constant bickering (poru) will eventually fall apart or become uninhabitable.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is putting on a show of success or celebration despite being surrounded by ruin or failure. It mocks a person who acts grandly while their basic environment or affairs are in shambles, similar to a house with a leaking roof (choorumangalam) having a grand celebration (jayamangalam) inside.

This proverb describes a situation involving a highly selfish or hypocritical person. It refers to someone who wants to borrow something from others (represented by 'ingalam' or fire/embers) even when they already possess it themselves, or someone who expects others to share their resources while keeping their own for themselves. It is used to mock people who pretend to be in need just to exploit others.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where everything surrounding a person is falling apart or in ruins, yet they remain oblivious or falsely celebratory about their own central position. It mockingly refers to someone celebrating a 'victory' while their entire support system or house is actually on fire.

This proverb describes a person who, due to their own dishonest nature or bad habits, projects those same qualities onto others. It is used to describe someone who is overly suspicious of others because they know their own faults. It is similar to the English expression 'a thief thinks everyone steals'.

This proverb describes the foolishness of blindly imitating others without considering one's own capacity, necessity, or circumstances. It is typically used when someone tries to copy another person's lifestyle or actions out of envy or competition, only to end up hurting themselves.

This expression refers to someone who focuses on outward appearances, vanity, or superficial shows of status while lacking actual substance, property, or a solid foundation. It describes a person who prioritizes pride and showing off over practical stability.

This expression refers to the intricate and sometimes complicated relationships within a household and with the surrounding community. 'Allibilli' suggests a close or twisted bond between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, while the second part highlights how neighbors are constantly observing or involved in local affairs. It is often used to describe the social dynamics and gossip common in domestic life.