కొని తింటూ ఉంటే కోమటినేస్తం, ఇచ్చి తీసుకుంటా ఉంటే ఈడిగ నేస్తం

This proverb highlights the essential elements for maintaining social and professional ties. Relationships (bandhavyamu) thrive on mutual visits and spending time together, whereas business or trade (vyavaharamu) relies on the fair exchange of goods or services. It suggests that if you stop visiting relatives, the bond weakens, and if you stop trading fairly, the business transaction ends.

This expression is used to describe things or people that are fundamentally unsuitable or harmful. Just as 'Toka Vadlu' (a poor quality grain with tails) is difficult to cook and yields poor results, a person who betrays trust is ruinous to a friendship. It serves as a warning against relying on low-quality resources or untrustworthy companions.

This proverb is used to describe things that are highly unreliable or unpredictable. Historically, subsistence farming depended entirely on the whims of rain, and friendship with soldiers (Turks) was seen as risky due to their unpredictable nature or shifting loyalties. It implies that certain ventures provide no security or stability.

This proverb emphasizes the supreme importance of survival and hope. It suggests that as long as a person is alive, even in the most dire circumstances or extreme poverty, there is always a chance to rebuild their life or see better days. It is often used to encourage someone to persevere through life-threatening situations or financial ruin.

This expression is used to describe a person who has a habit of exaggerating things or blowing small issues out of proportion. It is similar to the English idiom 'to make a mountain out of a molehill'.

This proverb highlights the essential elements required for sustenance and prosperity. Just as water is the lifeblood of a village for survival and agriculture, a woman's presence and care are considered the vital foundation that turns a mere house into a nurturing home.

This traditional proverb highlights the contrasting nature of two professions: a merchant (Komati) who gives goods on credit and must constantly chase customers for payment, versus a goldsmith (Kamsali) who takes the material or advance and makes the customer return multiple times before the work is finished. It is used to describe situations involving debt recovery or delays in service.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of work and warns against laziness. It means that if one keeps consuming wealth or resources without earning or replenishing them, even a massive fortune (like a mountain) will eventually be exhausted.

This proverb highlights the essential elements of maintaining different types of social ties. It suggests that financial or professional dealings (vyavaharam) rely on reciprocal exchange, whereas family or personal bonds (bandhavyam) stay alive through regular visits and physical presence.

This proverb is used to mock lazy or inefficient people who achieve very little despite having plenty of time, and then pretend to be extremely busy or productive once the time has passed or conditions become difficult. It highlights the irony of someone claiming they will do great work in the dark (or under pressure) when they couldn't finish simple work in broad daylight.