కూడు గుండెకాయ, మెతుకు మేనమామ

This expression refers to an extremely embarrassing or awkward situation where one is forced to seek help from a close relative for a private or shameful problem. It highlights the discomfort and loss of dignity involved when personal matters cannot be kept secret due to necessity.

This proverb is used to indicate that there is no need to explain or describe something to someone who is already intimately familiar with it. Just as a maternal uncle knows everything about his own sister's home (his childhood home), an expert or an insider does not need a briefing on their own domain.

This proverb is used to highlight that biological relationships and marital relationships carry different emotional weights or social expectations. It suggests that someone who enters the family through marriage might not always share the same innate affection or bond as a blood relative, or it is used to specifically define traditional kinship roles in Telugu culture where specific terms are reserved for biological relations.

This proverb is used to describe hereditary traits in children. It suggests that a child's physical appearance or temperament often mirrors their paternal aunt (menatta) or maternal uncle (menamama). It is frequently used by family members when noticing similarities between a newborn or child and their close relatives on both parental sides.

This proverb is used when someone tries to explain or describe something to a person who already knows it inside out. It highlights the irony of telling someone about their own roots, expertise, or a situation they are intimately familiar with.

This expression highlights the significance and priority given to the maternal uncle (mother's brother) in a child's life and within the family hierarchy. After the mother, the maternal uncle is traditionally considered the most important guardian and support system in many Telugu households, especially regarding cultural rituals and protection.

This proverb highlights the nuances of relationships and blood ties. It suggests that while people may hold certain titles or positions through marriage, they do not necessarily inherit the same biological significance or emotional depth as the original relative. It is often used to caution against expecting the same level of care or loyalty from relatives by marriage as one would from blood relatives.

This expression describes a situation where someone tells a person something they already know very well, or tries to 'enlighten' someone on a topic they are an expert in. Since the uncle grew up in that very house, praising it to him is redundant and unnecessary.

This proverb refers to a redundant or unnecessary action. Since the maternal uncle (mother's brother) grew up in that same house, he knows its merits better than anyone else. It is used when someone tries to explain or brag about something to a person who is already an expert or possesses intimate knowledge of the subject.

This proverb is used to describe a person who makes excuses to reject something valuable or appropriate simply because it is being offered easily or voluntarily. In Telugu culture, marrying a maternal uncle's daughter is traditionally considered a preferred and valid relationship (menarikam). The saying mocks the hypocrisy of someone who ignores established norms or desires just to be difficult when someone shows genuine affection or initiative.