కుమ్మరికి కుండ కరువు, సాలెకు బట్ట కరువు

This proverb highlights that borrowing things (especially ornaments or jewelry) for the sake of showing off only brings anxiety and a sense of burden, as one is constantly worried about their safety and eventual return. It is used to advise people to live within their means and be content with what they own.

This is a traditional agricultural saying from the Palnadu region of Andhra Pradesh regarding the Kandleru stream. It signifies that the prosperity of the farmers depends entirely on the water levels of the river. A small stream (trickle) indicates drought and crop failure, while a full flow ensures a bountiful harvest and celebration.

This proverb highlights the irony of poor planning or extreme poverty where resources are missing exactly when they are needed most. It describes a situation where one is busy washing clothes the day before (lacking something to wear), busy cooking on the festival day (delayed eating), and exhausted of all resources/dairy by the following day.

This proverb highlights the inherent resilience or nature of certain entities. A tree provides shade and fruit regardless of external conditions, and a savvy merchant (traditionally referred to as Komati) always finds a way to manage their trade or load without feeling the 'weight' or loss. It is used to describe situations where people are naturally equipped to handle specific hardships or roles.

This proverb describes a situation where a person lacks the very thing they produce or specialize in. It is used to point out the irony when an expert or a provider does not have access to their own services or products for personal use.

This proverb is used to describe something that remains busy or functional regardless of the external situation. Just as a mortar is used to grind grain even during a famine (to process whatever little food is available), certain people or systems continue their routine or extraction despite the hardships around them.

Some grain or other is always pounded in it. Said of a person who is exempted by his position from the loss which falls upon others, or of one who escapes a general misfortune.

This proverb highlights the stress and mental burden that debt causes. Even if one buys something on credit (loan) from a shop, the thought of repayment weighs heavily on the mind like a physical load. It is used to caution people against taking loans or buying things they cannot immediately afford.

This proverb highlights the delicate balance required in nature for agriculture and life. It explains that extreme conditions in either direction—too much rain (leading to waterlogging and rot) or too little rain (leading to drying up)—result in the same outcome: a lack of food and resources. It is used to describe situations where both extremes are equally detrimental.

This expression highlights that money is essential for two main reasons: maintaining one's social standing (dignity) and surviving during times of extreme hardship or scarcity (drought). It is used to emphasize the importance of financial security for both social and survival needs.

This expression describes a situation where one is forced to seek a loan or credit during a time of extreme scarcity or crisis. It signifies an act of desperation or a burden upon an already struggling person, as borrowing during a famine is difficult to repay and even harder to obtain.