కుంభకర్ణుని నోటికి అరకాసు మజ్జిగ

This expression is used to describe a situation where one tries to give advice or teach something to a person who is fundamentally opposed or completely indifferent to it. Ghantakarna was a character who wore bells on his ears to avoid hearing the name of Vishnu; hence, teaching him a Vishnu mantra (Ashtakshari) is a futile effort.

Refers to a state of deep, long, or heavy sleep from which a person is very difficult to wake up. It originates from the Ramayana character Kumbhakarna, who was known for sleeping for six months at a time. It is used to describe someone who sleeps excessively or is extremely lazy.

This proverb describes a situation where something inappropriate or mismatched is offered to someone based on their unique circumstances or lack of options. It refers to a person who follows a lifestyle that is a peculiar mix of different traditions, leading to them receiving things that don't quite fit the standard norms of either.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a failure or a complex event cannot be blamed on a single factor, but is rather the result of many contributing causes. In the Mahabharata, Karna's downfall was caused by multiple curses, promises, and circumstances happening at once.

This proverb refers to how a small negative influence or a tiny mistake can transform or ruin something large and pure. Just as a drop of buttermilk curdles an entire pot of milk, one bad person can influence a group, or one small error can change the entire outcome of a situation.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to benefit from both sides or keep something for themselves while pretending to share. It signifies a person's dual nature of being stingy while acting as if they are fulfilling a duty or being generous.

While literally referring to a famous temple town in Tamil Nadu, in common Telugu parlance, this term is used to describe a large-scale financial scandal, conspiracy, or fraudulent scheme involving high-stakes deception.

This expression is used to describe a person who is exceptionally charitable or generous. It refers to the legendary character Karna from the Mahabharata, who was known for his 'unwavering philanthropy' and for never refusing a request for help, even at the cost of his own life.

This expression describes a situation where too many people being involved in a task leads to a decline in quality, or when resources are spread too thin to be effective. It is similar to the English proverb 'Too many cooks spoil the broth'.

This expression is used to describe how people eventually adapt to new environments or habits over time. It suggests that with constant association and the passage of time, outsiders become like family, or unfamiliar things become second nature.