కాలు తంతే పెరిగేది పుచ్చకాయ, కుళ్ళేది గుమ్మడికాయ

This expression refers to a person or thing that is well-guarded, well-cared for, or treated with extreme caution and high regard. Historically, it stems from a story where a teacher's watermelon was protected so strictly that it became a symbol for something highly prioritized or carefully watched over.

This proverb refers to a person with a guilty conscience. According to the legend, a thief who stole pumpkins believed a trick that pumpkin dust was still on his shoulders, and by touching them to check, he gave himself away. It is used when a person's defensive or nervous behavior inadvertently reveals their guilt.

This expression refers to 'Dohada Cheshtalu' (botanical beliefs/folklore), where different plants respond to different human stimuli. Metaphorically, it describes how individuals react differently to treatment: some are so sensitive that even a slight gesture (criticism) harms them, while others require harsh treatment or pressure to thrive and progress.

This proverb describes a person who buys something very small or cheap but expects a disproportionately large or valuable item for free (kosaru). It is used to mock someone's unreasonable greed or lack of proportion in dealings.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone demands or expects a free addition (bonus) that is far more valuable or larger than the actual item they paid for. It highlights greediness or unreasonable expectations in transactions.

This agricultural proverb highlights the relationship between seasonal rains and crop yields. It suggests that if a plant gets a good start during the Magha Nakshatram (rainy period), it will grow robustly and yield a massive harvest by the Kartika season.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is willing to endure verbal abuse or harsh criticism as long as there is a tangible material gain or reward at the end. It highlights the preference for practical benefits over temporary insults.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's arrogance, ego, or demands are vastly disproportionate to their actual status, size, or capability. It highlights the absurdity of an insignificant person having an oversized attitude or problem.

This expression is used to describe an uneven or disproportionate exchange, or a situation where a lot of resources are consumed for a single item. In a traditional sense, it refers to the heavy requirement of rice needed to accompany a large pumpkin curry, signifying that one thing necessitates a large amount of another to be useful.

This proverb highlights that size or status does not matter when faced with the right tool or authority meant to handle it. It is used to describe situations where a small but powerful entity (like a blade or a person in authority) can easily manage or control something much larger or seemingly superior.