మాటలకు మల్లి, పనికి యెల్లి

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers help or a solution after the problem has already been solved or after the time for action has passed. It highlights the irrelevance of a late remedy or redundant assistance.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe individuals who are always on the move or never found in their expected place. 'Malli' refers to a shoemaker (Madiga) who is often out collecting hides or delivering shoes, while 'Yelli' refers to a goldsmith (Kamsali) who might be away on business. It is used to mock or point out the unavailability of someone when you need them.

This expression describes the act of causing total confusion or manipulating facts to make things unrecognizable. It is used when someone twists the truth, swaps identities, or complicates a simple situation to the point where the original context is lost. Often used to describe cunning or deceptive behavior.

This expression is used to describe a series of events happening one after another in quick succession, or a situation where things are piled up or layered. It often refers to a lineage or a sequence of names/entities that follow a specific order or pattern.

This expression describes a person who speaks very kindly and affectionately but fails to provide any actual help or substance. It is used to point out the hypocrisy of someone whose actions do not match their sweet words, particularly in contexts of hospitality or generosity.

Said of a step mother.

This proverb describes someone who is very vocal, boastful, or makes grand promises (Malli) but is completely absent or disappears when it comes time to actually do the work (Elli). It is used to criticize people who talk a lot but never follow through with action.

This expression highlights how human perception and relationships are entirely dependent on one's mindset or mood. When you like someone or are in a good mood, you treat them with respect (Malli - a respectful name); when you are displeased or lose interest, you treat the same person with disregard (Elli - a derogatory or casual way to address someone). It is used to describe fickle-mindedness or how subjective feelings dictate one's behavior toward others.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a resource or help is so abundantly available everywhere that a specific person's contribution or presence becomes unnecessary. It highlights the irony of someone offering something that is already common or easily accessible.

* Il faut se dire beaucoup d'amis, et s'en croire peu.

This proverb is used to point out something that is redundant or unnecessary because a better, more abundant, or universal alternative already exists. It is often used to dismiss someone who offers a mediocre or unnecessary service when the same thing is readily available everywhere else.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where something valuable, refined, or sophisticated is given to someone who is incapable of appreciating its worth or lacks the taste to use it properly. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'

Gindi is a narrow mouthed vessel used for rose water.