కులము మొదలే చెడ్డ కూలేపోమానంబు

This expression is used to describe a person who, due to arrogance, success, or intoxication (literal or metaphorical), forgets their roots, upbringing, or social boundaries. It refers to someone acting recklessly and losing their sense of identity or responsibility.

This refers to one already spoilt spoiling all the others around. Generally, when one is in bad shape – especially, morally – one would spread one’s vice to others also. Such people should be avoided by all means.

This proverb warns against excessive generosity or helping others at the cost of one's own basic needs or survival. It suggests that doing charity while neglecting your own family or self is foolish and unsustainable, much like a business transaction that results in the loss of the principal investment.

This proverb is used when someone sacrifices their reputation, social standing, or principles to achieve a goal. It implies that if you are going to take a risk that might ruin your name, the result should at least be worth the loss and bring you some benefit or pleasure.

This proverb describes a situation where an influential person or an administrator manages to remain unaffected by the troubles or financial burdens that plague the general public. It is used to critique corrupt officials or cunning people who shift burdens onto others while protecting their own interests at all costs.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's good intentions or attempts to help lead to unexpected negative consequences, criticism, or trouble. It is similar to the English expression 'No good deed goes unpunished.'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where something that was meant to provide protection or support (like a horn) ends up causing destruction to its own base (the head). It is used when a person's own pride, arrogance, or someone they nurtured turns against them and leads to their downfall.

The external appearance or the smallest details of a place/person can reveal their true internal state or prosperity. Just as the condition of the walls indicates the maintenance and wealth of a village, initial signs can help one judge the quality of something.

This proverb highlights the folly of prioritizing caste-based pride or prejudices over one's own survival and basic needs. It warns that while a person might sacrifice their livelihood (koodu) to uphold caste rigidity, the caste community as an entity will not provide for them when they are hungry. It is used to advise people to prioritize practical necessities and humanity over social divisions.

This proverb suggests that in the practical world, a person's financial status and prosperity are often given more importance and respect than their family background or caste. It is used to highlight the power of wealth in social standings.