కృతఘ్మునికి చేసిన మేలు

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's good intentions or helpful actions result in a misunderstanding or negative consequences for them. It originates from the Panchatantra story where a pet mongoose saves a baby from a snake, but is killed by the mother who mistakenly thinks the mongoose harmed the child.

This proverb is used to express that doing a favor for someone who is inherently jealous or hostile (often referring to rival family members or 'palivaru') is a waste of effort. Just as decorating a corpse is useless because it cannot appreciate or return the gesture, helping an ungrateful or malicious rival will never result in gratitude or a positive outcome.

This expression highlights the extreme level of ingratitude shown by a person who harms or acts against the mentor who provided them with knowledge. It implies that betraying a teacher is the ultimate form of being ungrateful.

This is a popular Telugu proverb emphasizing the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. It suggests that while a mother is the ultimate caretaker, the therapeutic properties of onions are so unique and powerful for the body that they are incomparable. It is used to encourage the consumption of onions for well-being.

This proverb highlights the guilt and shame associated with wrongdoing or being in debt. Just as a person who has committed a crime or mistake avoids eye contact out of guilt, a person who owes money feels a similar sense of inferiority or hesitation to face their creditor. It is used to describe the loss of confidence and social standing that comes with debt or moral failure.

This expression describes a situation where help, kindness, or a favor is extended to someone who does not value it or acknowledge it. It implies that the effort was wasted and compares the act to 'pouring water into a sieve' or 'throwing pearls before swine,' as the recipient will never show gratitude or reciprocate.

This proverb highlights tasks that are futile and result in no appreciation or lasting benefit. Just as decorating a corpse is useless because the body is lifeless, working for a royal palace (or a fickle authority) often goes unrewarded and unrecognized, regardless of the effort put in. It is used to describe thankless jobs or wasted labor.

This proverb highlights the feelings of guilt and shame. Just as a person who owes money avoids the lender out of embarrassment, a person who has done something wrong lacks the courage or confidence to face others directly. It is used to describe the loss of dignity or boldness resulting from wrong actions or financial burdens.

This is a popular Telugu proverb highlighting the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. It suggests that while a mother is the most selfless caretaker, the therapeutic properties of onions are so unique and powerful for the human body that they provide benefits even a mother's care cannot replicate.

This proverb is used to convey that having something imperfect or partial is better than having nothing at all. It is similar to the English expression 'Half a loaf is better than no bread' or 'Something is better than nothing.'

Of two evils choose the least.