కారం రాస్తే మంట, వెన్న రాస్తే తంట

This proverb describes the plight of a hardworking laborer or farmer. 'Fire above' refers to the scorching sun, 'fire below' refers to the hot earth, and 'fire in the belly' refers to hunger. It signifies that despite physical suffering and hunger, they cannot stop working because they are afraid of the master's wrath or the loss of their livelihood.

This expression highlights the difference between pleasant sounds and unpleasant conflicts. It suggests that while ringing a bell produces a harmonious sound, engaging in unnecessary arguments or disputes only leads to problems and complications. It is used to advise someone to avoid bickering and maintain peace.

This is a humorous and logical Telugu proverb or riddle used to describe exaggeration or the concept of exponential growth/inflation. It highlights how a small issue, if left unchecked or exaggerated, can become absurdly large. It is often used to mock someone who is blowing things out of proportion or to point out the logical fallacy in a sequence of exaggerations.

This is a rhythmic riddle or a satirical saying used to describe the logic of hyperbole or disproportionate growth. It highlights how problems can escalate in scale, or it is used as a humorous 'endless' question to stump someone, as a stone mortar (rolu) cannot actually swell.

This proverb is used to describe people who only respond or comply when treated harshly or strictly. Just as coriander seeds need to be rubbed vigorously (traditionally with footwear or a rough surface) to break their hard shell and sprout, some individuals only perform their duties or behave correctly when subjected to stern discipline or force.

This expression describes a situation where someone is overwhelmed by multiple troubles at once. It literally refers to a cook dealing with the heat of the stove, the heat of the weather, and the physical discomfort or indigestion caused by eating heavy food at a ritualistic feast. It is used when a person is frustrated by a series of compounding difficulties.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is determined to find fault or be aggressive regardless of the outcome or the effort put in. It is used to characterize people who are impossible to please or those who use any excuse—even contradictory ones—to harass or criticize others.

This expression highlights that while sound (music/vibration) can be pleasant like a bell, engaging in unnecessary arguments or disputes only leads to problems and complications. It is used to advise people to avoid verbal conflicts and maintain peace.

This proverb describes double standards and hypocrisy. It refers to people who are very demanding, critical, or stingy when dealing with others' resources or problems, but become extremely sensitive, protective, or exaggerating when it involves their own property or effort.

This expression is used to describe opportunistic behavior. It refers to a person who changes their relationship or attitude towards someone based on the situation or their own convenience. In this context, calling someone 'maradalu' implies a more casual or lower-status relationship when things are difficult (ditch), while calling them 'vadina' implies a more respectful or distant relationship when things are better (mound). It characterizes a fair-weather friend or someone who is inconsistently respectful.