కథకు కాళ్లు లేవు, ముంతకు చెవులు లేవు

This is a satirical historical proverb reflecting on a period of extreme poverty or decline. Mustaches are traditionally symbols of pride and masculinity (lords), while rafters (vasalu) are essential for building a house. It implies that the rulers lost their dignity and the common people lost their shelter, used to describe situations where everyone, regardless of status, is lacking basic necessities or pride.

This proverb describes a situation where a household is suffering from extreme poverty or lack of basic necessities, yet the family members are busy fighting or holding grudges instead of working together to solve their problems. It is used to mock people who prioritize ego and petty disputes over survival and common sense.

This proverb describes a situation where someone suddenly acquires or flaunts something new late in life that they never had before, often appearing out of place or pretentious. It is used to mock people who experience sudden prosperity or change their habits inconsistently with their past life, or to describe an unexpected event happening at an unusual time.

This proverb highlights that mocking or making fun of someone costs nothing and requires no effort, much like how a fictional story doesn't need to be grounded in physical reality or logic. It is often used to criticize people who talk irresponsibly or make groundless claims just for the sake of it.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely old or in a state of physical decline. It can also sarcastically refer to someone who is acting helpless or lacks basic common sense and capability.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone aims for something grand or ambitious but lacks even the most basic necessities. It highlights a stark irony or extreme poverty/scarcity.

* A fonte puro pura default aqua.

This expression describes the act of exaggerating a story or fabricating unnecessary details to make a simple event sound more dramatic or believable. It is used when someone adds 'spices' or false information to a basic fact, making the narrative unrealistic or distorted.

This proverb is used to highlight double standards or hypocrisy in power dynamics. It suggests that when a person in authority (like a mother-in-law) makes a mistake, it is ignored or excused, but when a subordinate (like a daughter-in-law) does the same, it is heavily criticized.

Historically, this proverb reflects an old belief that a son is necessary to perform final rites for parents to attain 'Moksha' (salvation). In a modern context, it is often used to discuss traditional family values or the cultural importance placed on continuing the lineage.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who is too proud or lazy to work. It suggests that even if one lacks the status or means to be a leader or a ruler (high status), there are always ways to survive if one is willing to set aside their ego—often used sarcastically against those who complain about lack of grand opportunities while ignoring humble ways to make a living.