కాగితంతో పులి, ఏకులతో ఏనుగు

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely unpredictable in their generosity. When they choose to give, they give in massive, overwhelming quantities (like the 'milk' or yield of a giant elephant), but they might also go long periods without giving anything at all. It refers to a temperament that is erratic—either total abundance or nothing.

This expression is used to describe a situation or an asset (like a business, project, or luxury item) that yields high results or prestige but requires an equally high level of maintenance and expenditure. It signifies that big ventures come with big responsibilities and costs.

This expression is used to describe a lazy person who shows no energy or interest when it comes to doing work (acting like a lifeless corpse), but displays immense appetite and enthusiasm when it is time to eat (acting like a hungry elephant).

This proverb describes a person who is extremely timid or submissive at home (often toward a spouse or family) but displays great courage, authority, or intimidation when dealing with the outside world. It highlights the contrast between someone's private vulnerability and their public bravado.

This proverb is used to describe the tendency of a person to blindly follow the crowd or conform to societal norms regardless of personal opinion or the correctness of the action. It implies going with the flow or following the majority to avoid standing out or facing conflict.

This is an agricultural proverb highlighting the importance of the Arudra Karthe (a specific astronomical period in the Telugu calendar). Farmers believe that rainfall during this period is extremely beneficial for crops, acting like a life-giving elixir (Amrutham) that ensures a high yield and healthy soil.

This expression is used to describe a person who appears mild-mannered or harmless on the outside but is actually dangerous, cunning, or highly capable like a tiger. It refers to 'wolves in sheep's clothing' or someone who hides their strength and aggression behind a polite facade.

This expression describes a situation where someone causes total chaos or massive destruction, often by being reckless, overly powerful, or out of control. It is used when an individual or an entity ruins something valuable or organized in a short amount of time through unrestrained actions.

This expression describes a person who acts brave, fierce, or authoritative in public or in front of strangers, but is timid, submissive, or easily intimidated at home or in front of their family members. It is often used to mock someone's false bravado.

This expression refers to using the right resources for the right purpose. Just as fine rice is preferred for plain eating while thicker/coarser rice is better suited for dishes like Pulihora (tamarind rice) to maintain texture, it implies that every person or object has a specific situation where they excel or are most appropriate.