కులము తప్పినవాడు బంతికిముందు, కూరగాయలవాడు సంతకుముందు

This proverb describes people who are overly eager or arrive prematurely due to their specific needs or lack of social standing. Just as a vegetable seller arrives early at a market to secure a spot before others, a person who has been ostracized or lost status might rush to the front of a feast (pankti/row) to ensure they are served or acknowledged before being ignored.

This expression suggests that a person who has lost their direction in life is comparable to someone who has attended school without actually learning or applying anything. It is used to critique someone who lacks common sense or purpose despite having access to resources or opportunities.

This expression is used to describe two people who are equally wicked, cunning, or troublesome. It implies that there is no difference in their bad character; if one is bad, the other is slightly worse or just as bad. It is similar to saying 'two of a kind' or 'chips off the same block' in a negative context.

This proverb is used to criticize people who lack dignity or social grace, particularly those who exhibit greed or eagerness for material benefits (like food) despite not having earned a place of honor. It suggests that those who do not value their reputation are often the most impatient for rewards.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is already burdened with existing problems, debts, or commitments before even starting a new task or phase. It implies that one is starting from a disadvantage or is perpetually lagging behind.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is given a false sense of urgency or is being manipulated with contradictory instructions. It highlights a scenario where a person is promised a benefit from a past event or a missed opportunity while being distracted by a current demand. It is often used to mock illogical or deceptive invitations.

This expression is used to describe a lazy or opportunistic person who is always the first to appear when there is a meal or benefit, but the first to hide or stay behind when there is hard work, danger, or a responsibility to fulfill.

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 expression describes a lazy person who is always the first to show up when food or rewards are being distributed, but the last to volunteer or show up when there is actual work to be done. It is used to mock opportunistic laziness.

This proverb highlights that a person who fails to keep their word loses their credibility and status. It suggests that breaking a commitment is a sign of an unreliable character, making the person as useless or aimless as someone wasting time circling a rock.