కుప్పలో కోడిగింజ - కులంలో కుర్రాడ కోడలు

This proverb suggests that wealth transcends social hierarchies and caste boundaries. It implies that a person's financial status often carries more weight and influence than their traditional social standing or lineage, effectively stating that 'money is the ultimate power'.

A rich man is sought after by all. Rich people are every where at home. (German.)†

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is a lot of noise, empty talk, or grand showmanship, but no actual substance, results, or value. It is similar to the English expression 'All bark and no bite' or 'Much ado about nothing.'

A great noise of threshing, but no grain to thresh. " Great cry and little wool" as the fellow said when he sheared the pig.

This proverb describes the nature of heat and fire across seasons. In winter, fire feels small and gentle like an infant because we seek its warmth, but in summer, even a little heat feels overwhelming and powerful like a grown man, making it difficult to bear.

This proverb describes a person who shows off or displays pride because of their wealth, status, or influential background. It is used to point out that those with abundant resources or support often act with a certain level of confidence, elegance, or arrogance that they find difficult to hide.

This expression refers to internal conflicts or domestic feuds that lead to the complete destruction of one's own family or group. It originates from the Mahabharata, where a structural iron bolt (musalam) led to the infighting and eventual demise of the Yadava dynasty. It is used to describe a situation where a small internal issue escalates and ruins everyone involved from within.

This expression refers to a person of exceptional quality or a valuable object found in an ordinary, poor, or messy environment. It is used to describe someone who stands out for their excellence despite being surrounded by mediocrity.

This expression is used to describe a person of extraordinary talent, virtue, or beauty who is found in a common or poor environment. It is the Telugu equivalent of the phrase 'a diamond in the rough,' referring to something precious hidden among the mundane.

This expression refers to internal strife or a domestic conflict that leads to the total destruction of a group or family from within. It originates from the Mahabharata, where a mystical iron mace (musalam) was born to a Yadava prince, eventually causing the mutual destruction of the entire Yadava dynasty. It is used to describe situations where internal bickering or an unexpected internal cause leads to a downfall.

This expression highlights that certain places are known for specific spiritual or social resolutions. In Varanasi, bathing in the Ganges is believed to wash away sins, while in Puri Jagannath, caste distinctions are traditionally set aside, and everyone is considered equal before the deity. It is used to describe situations where specific problems have specific, well-known solutions or where social barriers are naturally dissolved.

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.