కృత్తికలో కుతికె పిసుకుడు

This expression is used to signify that all the hard work, toil, and various struggles a person undergoes in life are ultimately for basic sustenance and survival. It is often used to express a sense of humility or philosophical resignation regarding the grind of daily life.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the income or result from a project is barely enough to cover the basic expenses or survival costs, leaving no room for profit or savings. Historically, farming in the Kolleru lake region was unpredictable due to floods, often yielding just enough to eat.

This proverb is used to mock those who make a grand outward show of bravery or masculinity (symbolized by a thick moustache) but lack actual courage when it matters. It highlights the irony of a fearful person trying to look intimidating.

This expression is used to describe someone who claims to eat very little (has a throat as narrow as a needle) but grows as large as a demon, or more commonly, someone who pretends to be very frugal or modest while actually being extremely greedy or having insatiable desires.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of frugality and saving during times of abundance. It suggests that if one manages resources wisely when they are plenty (harvest time), they will not face hardship or hunger during lean periods. It is used to advise someone to plan for the future and avoid wasteful spending.

This proverb is used to describe a person who puts on a grand, fashionable appearance to impress others but is actually very poor or lazy, particularly when it comes to earning their own bread or helping with chores. It highlights the irony of maintaining a high status through looks while lacking basic necessities or being shirking responsibilities.

This is an agricultural proverb (Sameta) referring to the 'Krittika Karti' period (late May). It warns that crops sown during this specific dry and hot seasonal window often fail due to lack of adequate rainfall, resulting in a poor harvest that cannot even feed the family (fill their throats).

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to gain from two different options but ends up losing both due to indecision, poor planning, or greed. It is similar to the English idiom 'falling between two stools.'

This expression refers to a hidden enemy or a traitor who is very close to you, posing a constant, immediate threat while pretending to be an ally. It is used to describe someone trustworthy who could betray you at any moment.

This proverb reflects on the ultimate simplicity and transience of life. It emphasizes that despite one's wealth, achievements, or surplus, the basic necessity remains food, and the final destination for everyone is death. It is used to counsel humility and to remind people not to be overly greedy or proud of their possessions.