ఇటికలవాడికి రవిక పెడితే, కంపకు పెట్టి చింపుకున్నదట

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone prioritizes an outsider or a distant relative over their own family, only to end up losing everything. It highlights the folly of misplaced priorities and the resulting regret when a primary responsibility is neglected for a secondary one.

This expression refers to the value of food or charity. It implies that feeding a living being—whether productive (like a cow that gives milk) or non-productive (a barren one)—is never a waste and always results in merit or satisfaction. It is often used to encourage generosity without over-calculating the utility of the recipient.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an undeserving or uncultured person is given something valuable or sophisticated, but they do not know how to handle it properly and ultimately ruin it. It highlights that refinement and value are wasted on those who lack the sensibility to appreciate or maintain them.

This expression describes a person who relentlessly pester, harasses, or tortures others mentally or physically. It is used to characterize someone who is extremely difficult to deal with and causes prolonged suffering or annoyance through their behavior.

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 expression suggests that the appearance or presentation of food significantly influences one's appetite and satisfaction. It is used to emphasize that when something looks appealing, it is more likely to be enjoyed or accepted. In a broader sense, it can also refer to how first impressions affect overall judgment.

This expression highlights the items or people that truly belong to a person and provide real security or status. It is used to emphasize that only what is legally yours or physically in your possession can be relied upon in times of need or social standing.

This proverb warns against trusting a person with a known history of dishonesty or theft. It implies that if you enter into a partnership or trust someone who is habitually untrustworthy, you shouldn't be surprised when they eventually betray you or steal your belongings. It is used to describe situations where someone suffers a loss due to their own poor judgment in choosing associates.

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 describes extreme envy and unhealthy competition. It is used to mock someone who tries to imitate others' prosperity beyond their means or feels so much jealousy toward a peer's success that they resort to self-destruction or extreme frustration.