కందం చెప్పినవాడు కవి, పందిని పొడిచినవాడు బంటు

This proverb defines true skill and bravery by their toughest standards. In Telugu literature, the 'Kanda' meter is considered the most difficult to master; hence, only one who excels at it is a true poet. Similarly, hunting a wild boar was considered the ultimate test of a soldier's courage. It is used to suggest that expertise is proven only through the mastery of the most difficult tasks in a field.

This proverb highlights that a person suffering from a disease and a person forced into unpaid manual labor (vetti) share a similar plight—both lose their freedom of will and are under a constant state of suffering or compulsion. It is used to describe situations where a person has no choice but to endure hardship.

This proverb highlights the reciprocity and equality inherent in kinship and relationships, regardless of economic status. In Telugu culture, 'Bava' (brother-in-law) denotes a close relative. The saying suggests that blood relations or social bonds remain the same regardless of one person being rich (balisinavadu) and the other being poor (bakkavadu). It is used to emphasize that status shouldn't change how family members treat or address one another.

This expression refers to a person who is extremely cunning, manipulative, or persuasive. It describes someone capable of twisting facts so skillfully that they can make a lie seem like the truth and vice versa, often used to describe crooked politicians, lawyers, or deceivers.

This expression highlights that true mastery is defined by the ability to conquer difficult tasks. In warfare, killing a wild boar was considered the ultimate test of a soldier's bravery and skill. Similarly, in Telugu literature, the 'Kanda' meter is technically demanding and constrained; therefore, anyone who can compose it perfectly is recognized as a true poet. It is used to say that one's merit is proven by their performance in challenging situations.

This expression means that true merit or bravery is determined by one's actions and results in the field, rather than by empty boasts or titles. In the past, wild boar hunting was a dangerous task; therefore, only the person who actually completed the kill was considered a true warrior. It is used to suggest that success belongs to the person who performs the difficult task at hand.

This proverb reflects a pragmatic and somewhat cynical view of human nature. It suggests that people only like those who provide them with something or give them money. The second part implies that a person's debts are effectively canceled or their accounts are settled only when they pass away, often used to comment on the difficulty of recovering debts or the fleeting nature of social approval based on transactions.

This expression describes someone who is extremely manipulative, cunning, or skilled at distorting the truth. It is used to refer to a person who can make something good look bad, or something bad look good, often through clever words, influence, or deceitful arguments.

This proverb highlights two harsh realities of life: people only appreciate those who are generous or provide help, and once a person dies, their debts and obligations often perish with them, making it impossible to recover what was owed. It is used to describe the nature of gratitude and the finality of death regarding liabilities.

This proverb highlights that a person who fails to keep their word loses their credibility and status. It suggests that breaking a commitment is a sign of an unreliable character, making the person as useless or aimless as someone wasting time circling a rock.