లచ్చ ఉంటే కోటి లక్షణాలు

This proverb is used to describe someone who maintains their dignity, values, or refined habits despite a significant loss in wealth or status. It emphasizes that while material possessions can be lost, one's fundamental nature and upbringing remain unchanged.

Applied to a man who bears the appearance of having seen better days.

This expression is used when someone who was initially perceived to be highly virtuous, talented, or perfect turns out to have many hidden flaws or negative qualities. It highlights the disappointment when reality contradicts a positive first impression or an idealized image.

This is a traditional Telugu riddle where the answer is 'Moisture' or 'The feeling of lushness'. In a metaphorical sense, it is often used to describe wealth or prosperity (represented by 'greenery'), noting that people will flock to you when you are prosperous but will abandon you when times become difficult or 'hot'.

This proverb describes a person who continues to exhibit their characteristic behavior (often arrogance, extravagance, or specific habits) even after losing their wealth, status, or power. It suggests that while external fortunes change, innate nature or ingrained habits remain the same.

This proverb is used to describe how things often seem more attractive or better from a distance than they actually are. It suggests that when you are far away from a situation or object, you don't see the flaws, challenges, or rough edges that become apparent only upon closer inspection or involvement.

While the original proverb 'Udyogam Purusha Lakshanam' emphasizes that work/effort defines a person's character and dignity, this extended humorous or sarcastic version suggests that losing one's job or being unemployed is seen as a flaw or a social stigma. It is often used to highlight the societal pressure regarding employment and financial stability.

This expression emphasizes that food is the most basic and essential wealth. If one has a meal to eat, they are as rich as a millionaire, highlighting that basic sustenance is more important than extreme wealth.

This expression means that a small flaw or a lapse in character can turn a virtue into a vice. It is used to caution people that maintaining one's good reputation or quality requires consistency, as even a minor deviation can lead to being perceived negatively.

There is a pun here on the word Lakshanam which as a noun signifies the ' rules of classic composition,' and as an adjective ' handsome.'—Ava- lakshanam means ' ugly,' ' deformed.'

This proverb is a sarcastic way of describing a situation where there is no good choice available. It implies that even the 'best' option among the lot is flawed or mediocre, while the 'worst' option is completely devoid of any merit. It is used to mock someone's pretense of quality when even their best attributes are subpar.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely stingy or protective of their wealth. It implies that the person is so miserly that even a slight accidental contact with them or their clothing is treated as a major loss or a demand for a fortune. It can also sarcastically describe someone who thinks too highly of their own value or status.