మాటకు పడిచస్తాముకాని, మూటకు పడిచస్తామా

Refers to a situation or a grasp from which escape is impossible. In the Ramayana, Kabandha was a demon with long arms that could reach out and trap anything; hence, the term is used to describe a death-grip, a stranglehold, or being trapped in a complex, inescapable predicament.

This proverb is used to describe people who frequently make empty threats or constant complaints about leaving or dying but never actually follow through. It highlights the irony that those who talk the most about an action are often the ones least likely to do it. It is commonly used when someone repeatedly threatens to quit a job or end a relationship but remains in the same situation.

This proverb highlights that excessive suspicion or paranoia is more destructive than death itself. While a person destined to die will pass away in due time, a person consumed by doubt or fear suffers and 'dies' mentally every moment, losing their peace of mind immediately.

This expression is used to describe a person who is already difficult to work with or has a certain quirk, and then adds even more annoying habits or irrational behavior on top of it. It highlights a situation where someone's existing limitations are compounded by their own stubbornness or unreasonable nature.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It means that crops sown during the Hasta rain period result in a bountiful harvest, whereas crops sown by the time of Chitta rains provide just enough for a final meal, implying it is the very end of the sowing season and yields will be minimal.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb from Andhra Pradesh. It specifies the ideal number of times a field should be ploughed for specific crops to ensure a good harvest. It highlights the importance of soil preparation, suggesting that cotton requires more intensive tilling (ten times) compared to sorghum (seven times).

This is an agricultural proverb (sameta) referring to the 'Hasta Karthe' (a specific solar mansion in the Hindu calendar). It suggests that crops sown during this specific time period often fail or yield poor results, meaning the investment never returns to the farmer's hand. It is used to highlight the importance of timing and seasonal wisdom.

This expression describes the inherent nature of certain things or people to be constantly active or moving. A Brahmin's hand is traditionally busy with rituals, counting beads, or receiving alms, while an elephant's trunk is always swaying or searching. It is used to remark on someone who is restlessly busy or a situation where constant activity is inevitable.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb specifying the effort needed for different crops. It implies that paddy requires intensive plowing (ten times) to ensure the soil is soft and water-retentive, while castor seeds, being hardier, require less (six times). It is used to emphasize that different tasks require different levels of preparation and effort.

This is an agricultural proverb related to Telugu lunar mansions (Kartulu). It suggests that crops sown during the 'Hasta' rain yield best if they are early-season varieties, whereas crops sown during 'Chitta' rain are most successful if they are late-season or final harvests. It emphasizes the timing of agricultural activities based on seasonal rainfall.