కడపటి మడివాని కటారిపోటు కంటె, ఎదుటి మడివాని ఏకుపోటు మేలు

This expression highlights the power of the written word over physical force. While a physical injury from a weapon might heal, the consequences of written documentation, laws, or press reports are permanent and far-reaching. It is used to caution people about the lasting impact of administrative decisions or journalism.

This proverb emphasizes the value of companionship and cooperation. It suggests that two people working together or supporting each other is always better and more effective than a person acting alone. It is often used to encourage marriage, partnership, or teamwork.

This proverb describes people who contribute nothing or have no real skin in the game, yet act overly demanding or authoritative. It is used to critique those who want the best results or services without paying or putting in any effort, often compensating for their lack of contribution with empty arrogance or bossiness.

This expression highlights that written words have a more permanent and devastating impact than physical violence. While physical wounds may heal or be avoided, the consequences of what is written—such as laws, journalism, or literature—are enduring and inescapable. It is often used to emphasize the power of the media or the written record in holding people accountable.

This proverb emphasizes the value of immediate certainty over future possibilities. It is similar to the English idiom 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,' suggesting it is better to have something small but guaranteed right now than the hope of something better that might never arrive.

This expression refers to a person who starts many tasks simultaneously but finishes none of them efficiently, or someone who keeps people waiting by jumping from one job to another. It originates from the practice in Tirupati where barbers, dealing with huge crowds, would partially shave one person's head and move to the next to ensure no customer left their queue.

Has it all his own way. Pilgrims visiting the place have to get their heads shaved, and as one man has the entire monopoly he keeps them waiting for hours, taking payment in advance and shaving a little bit of one man's head and then a little bit of another, to prevent them from going away. Applied to a person selfishly taking work out of others' hands which he is unable to complete himself.

This proverb is used to mock hypocritical or excessive shows of piety or discipline. It describes a situation where someone performs a task with an air of superior virtue or strictness, only for their efforts to fail spectacularly in an ironic or 'polluting' way. It highlights that fake perfectionism often leads to clumsy or embarrassing results.

This proverb describes extreme envy or a toxic competitive mindset. It refers to a person who is so consumed by their own lack and, more destructively, by others' success, that they end up causing their own total ruin. It is used to criticize those who cannot tolerate the prosperity of others.

This proverb describes a situation where the hard work or the burden of a task is handled by one person, while another person (or a higher authority) gets associated with the commotion, publicity, or the ultimate blame. It is often used to highlight the unfair distribution of labor versus reputation, or when a minor issue is blown out of proportion while the actual core work remains unrecognized.

Gangânamma is a certain village goddess.

Physical injuries or wounds caused by weapons heal over time, but the pain caused by harsh, cruel, or insulting words leaves a permanent scar on the mind. This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of speech and warns people to be careful with their words, as emotional damage is much harder to repair than physical hurt.