లింగము మీది ఎలుక

This proverb is used to describe a person who is completely out of touch with the context or topic of conversation. It signifies a person who asks an irrelevant or foolish question after listening to a whole explanation, showing they haven't understood a single word.

This expression is used to describe an extra benefit or a bonus added to something that is already good or sufficient. It is similar to the English idiom 'icing on the cake' or 'a cherry on top,' signifying an additional advantage that makes a situation even better.

This expression refers to something that adds extra benefit or comfort to an already good situation. Since 'Pulagam' is a wholesome meal of rice and dal cooked together, adding extra 'Pappu' (dal/lentil stew) on top makes it even more delicious and rich. It is used to describe a situation where a small addition makes something significantly better.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort put into a small task results in a disproportionately large loss elsewhere due to negligence. It is used to mock people who focus on trivial matters while ignoring significant damage occurring right under their noses, or when the cost of an operation exceeds the benefit gained.

Tûm is the Indian bushel.

This proverb refers to a person who has become desperate, reckless, or completely shameless. Once a person loses their fear or sense of social propriety, they stop caring about the sacredness or rules of society, treating even a common kitchen tool like a ladle with the same (or lack of) regard as a holy deity. It is used to describe someone who has nothing left to lose and acts without inhibition.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone meets their match in terms of cunning, greed, or mischief. It implies that no matter how difficult or domineering a person is, they will eventually encounter someone even more formidable who can outdo them. It is similar to the English expression 'to meet one's match'.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a massive amount of effort, time, or resources is spent to achieve a very small, insignificant, or disappointing result. It highlights the disproportion between the struggle and the outcome.

This proverb highlights how people's perspectives and sources of refuge change based on their circumstances. Historically, it refers to social reformer Kandukuri Veeresalingam who supported widows, implying that those in specific distress look for specific saviors. The second part suggests that once a person loses all fear or becomes completely desperate (or reckless), they cease to care about formalities or sacredness, treating even a common kitchen tool (ladle) as a god. It is used to describe people who have reached a point where they no longer care about social consequences or traditional norms.

This expression refers to a situation involving deceit, manipulation, or a clever trick where one person creates an illusion or cover-up (kuppekattu) while another performs a deceptive act (kanikattu). It is often used to describe two people conspiring together or to mock someone performing meaningless rituals or suspicious activities that lack substance.

This proverb describes people who have lost all sense of shame, fear, or social decorum. It suggests that once a person decides to be reckless or shameless, they no longer respect sacred symbols or social boundaries, treating even a common kitchen ladle (teddu) as a deity (Lingam) out of mockery or indifference. It is used to describe someone who acts without restraint or accountability.