కాదంటే అరవవాడి చెవి

This proverb is used to describe a complete lack of communication or a situation where two people are talking about entirely different things. It refers to a person who misunderstands what is being said due to a lack of attention or hearing, responding with something totally irrelevant. It is used in situations where there is no sync between a question and an answer.

The jingle of the Telugu words is similar to that of the English equivalents.

This proverb describes a situation where someone persistently tries to claim ownership or credit for something even after being explicitly told it doesn't belong to them or is incorrect. It is used to mock people who are shamelessly stubborn or opportunistic despite being rejected.

Kādu in Telugu means " it is not," "no;" in Tamil it signifies " the ear." A Telugu man on one occasion accidentally stuck the barb of his spear into a Tamilian's ear, on which the latter cried out "Kādu! Kādu!" ( My ear! my ear! ) The Telugu man thinking he meant to say " Not yours, not yours" pulled at the spear all the harder, saying "Nādi! Nādi!" (It's mine! it's mine!). Said to a man who is obstinate in argument.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely greedy or opportunistic. It refers to a situation where a person tries to claim ownership of something even when others are denying it belongs to them or trying to distance themselves from it. It highlights a tendency to grab everything available without considering whether it is appropriate or right.

This proverb describes a 'catch-22' or a dilemma where a person is stuck between two bad options. It is used when pointing out a mistake might lead to public embarrassment or unwanted drama (aaradi), but staying silent might lead others to take one's patience for granted or treat them with disrespect (alusu).

This expression is used to describe an unpredictable person who oscillates between extremes—someone who can be insignificantly helpful or harmlessly quiet one moment, and then suddenly do something aggressive, harmful, or unexpected the next. It highlights a volatile or inconsistent personality.

This expression describes a person who constantly complains about their spouse's presence or behavior but is very eager to enjoy the financial benefits and wealth provided by them. It is used to highlight hypocrisy or material greed in a relationship.

This expression highlights the social and personal value of being agreeable and positive. It suggests that a negative or confrontational attitude (saying 'no') makes one appear dull or ungraceful, whereas a positive, cooperative, or 'yes' attitude leads to a stress-free, longer, and more harmonious life.

This proverb is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will result in displeasing one party or causing a problem. It reflects a state of being stuck between two difficult choices where you cannot satisfy everyone.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is in a deep mess or trouble acts ungratefully or aggressively toward the person trying to help them. It refers to misplaced hostility from a person in a desperate situation.

This expression is used to describe how people's character and behavior can drastically change when they face a downfall or make a mistake. It suggests that a single slip in conduct or status can reveal many hidden, often negative, traits or lead to numerous accusations and character flaws being attributed to a person.