కంచం అమ్మి మెట్టులు కొన్నట్లు

This expression is used to describe a foolish or self-destructive person who sells their source of livelihood (fertilizer for farming) and then destroys their only means of comfort or warmth (the quilt) for fuel. It refers to someone who makes decisions that lead to their own total ruin by wasting both their assets and their necessities.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes precautions or looks for a solution after the damage is already done. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or 'crying over spilled milk.' It emphasizes that actions taken too late are futile.

This expression refers to a situation where a person or a place has fallen from a position of great prestige, prosperity, or high status to a very low or common state. It highlights the contrast between past glory (sandalwood) and current struggle or mediocrity (firewood).

This proverb describes a person who is extremely unobservant, dull-witted, or indifferent. It refers to a situation where someone fails to notice something glaringly obvious or a significant gesture, even after being explicitly prompted or provided with all the necessary tools to recognize it.

This proverb describes a foolish or short-sighted decision where someone sells a valuable, income-generating asset (a shop) to acquire a low-value, consumable, or temporary item (a blanket). It is used to critique poor financial management or lack of foresight.

This expression is used to describe a relationship between people (often relatives or friends) who are close enough to eat together or share a meal, but are not close enough to share a household, intimate secrets, or a marital bond. It highlights the boundaries of social intimacy and the distinction between formal friendship and private life.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one attempts to get something from someone who is already in dire need of it themselves, or when one expects a bargain from a person who barely has enough resources to survive. It highlights the irony or futility of seeking a specific resource from a source that is its primary consumer or is impoverished.

This expression describes a relationship where people are close enough to eat together or share social meals, but do not share a deep, private, or familial intimacy. It is often used to define the boundaries of a friendship or a formal association where one's private life remains separate.

This expression is used to describe a foolish act where someone sacrifices a basic necessity or something of great utility for the sake of a useless luxury or a decorative item. It highlights poor prioritization and a lack of common sense.

This proverb is used to describe a person who makes a foolish trade-off by giving up something essential or useful for something ornamental or trivial. It refers to misplaced priorities where one sacrifices a basic necessity (a plate for food) for a luxury or a decorative item (toe-rings).