కోర్టుకెక్కి గెలిచినవాడు ఇంట్లో ఏడిస్తే, ఓడినవాడు వీధుల్లో ఏడుస్తాడు

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 expression describes a situation where a person who has no firsthand experience or involvement in a task tries to correct or contradict the person who is actually doing the work. It is used to mock people who offer unsolicited and inaccurate advice from a safe distance without understanding the ground reality.

This expression is used to describe a person who enters a group or a household and causes constant friction, disputes, or divisions among the members. Just as a porcupine quill is said to cause irritation or bad luck in a home according to folklore, this refers to someone whose presence is destructive to harmony.

This proverb highlights that both poverty and wealth come with their own sets of problems. While a poor person suffers from deprivation, a rich person may suffer from health issues, greed, or the inability to enjoy their abundance. It is often used to describe situations where everyone has a grievance, regardless of their status.

This proverb highlights that true mastery is defined by the most difficult tasks in a field. In Telugu literature, 'Kandam' is considered a very difficult meter to compose; similarly, hunting a wild boar requires immense courage. It signifies that excellence is proven through successfully handling the toughest challenges of one's profession.

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 proverb highlights shared responsibility and the consequences of poor associations. It means that if a leader or a partner goes back on their word or commits a mistake, those who supported or followed them must endure the resulting hardships or losses.

This proverb highlights the difference between hollow arrogance and actual status. It is used to describe a person who is overly conceited or 'high-headed' (dimaku) without any real accomplishment, contrasting them with someone who actually holds a position of importance but is more grounded or observant.

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 the exhausting nature of legal battles and litigation. It suggests that in a lawsuit, there are no real winners because even the victor loses so much time, money, and peace of mind that their victory feels like a defeat. It is used to advise people to settle disputes amicably rather than pursuing lengthy legal action.