కూత లొల్లాయిలేగాని కుప్పలో గింజ లేదు

This expression describes a manipulative or extremely shrewd person who gives something of very little value (a small date seed) to gain something much more valuable (a large palmyra seed). It is used to caution against people who perform small favors only to demand or extract much larger benefits in return.

Íta is the wild date ( Phoenix Sylvestris ). Tāḍu is the Palmyra ( Borassus Flabelliformis ). Offering a gift of slight value for the purpose of gaining a rich present. Throw in a sprat to catch a salmon.

This expression is used to highlight the obvious origin of something or to indicate that the core essence (the rice) is hidden within a shell (the husk). It serves as a metaphor for looking beyond the external covering to find the true value or substance inside.

This expression is used to describe something or someone that stands out as unique, precious, or significant within a large group. It often refers to a newcomer or a specific person who brings pride or distinct identity to an entire family or community.

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 proverb describes a situation where the cost, investment, or loss incurred in a venture is significantly higher than the actual profit gained. It is used to criticize poor financial decisions or tasks where the effort outweighs the benefit.

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 proverb describes a person's extreme selfishness or hypocrisy. It refers to someone who wants others to suffer losses while they themselves profit excessively, even at the expense of others. It is used to mock people who display a 'mine is mine, and yours is also mine' attitude or those who wish for others' ruin while seeking their own prosperity.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is consistently lazy, indifferent, or irresponsible. It refers to a person who didn't take the effort to wear/tie a garment properly in the past and doesn't bother about it being torn or ruined in the present. It characterizes a state of having no cares, no progress, and no sense of responsibility regardless of the time or situation.

Said by a poor fellow who had never had the pleasure of putting on a good cloth or the annoyance of tearing it.

This is a pun on the Telugu word 'Chinta' which means both 'worry' and 'tamarind'. It is used humorously to describe a situation where someone says they have no worries, but in reality, they are missing a basic necessity or the very thing that gives life flavor. It highlights that being completely free of 'concerns' might sometimes mean lacking something essential.

This expression is used to describe something that is present in abundance or is easily accessible within a large collection. It signifies a state of plenty or a situation where a specific resource is concentrated in one place, making it easy to find or utilize.