మాటలు చెప్పే మొనగాండ్లేగాని, పూట బత్తెమిచ్చే పుణ్యాత్ములు లేరు

This expression is used to describe hypocrites who give lofty moral advice to others but fail to follow it themselves. It is similar to the English proverb 'Practice what you preach' or 'Do as I say, not as I do.' It highlights the gap between words and actions.

This expression warns against acting upon rumors or gossip without verification. It suggests that paying heed to malicious talk or the instigations of others will ultimately lead to one's own downfall or harm.

This proverb questions the morality of committing a heinous sin to perform a small act of charity. It is used to describe people who justify unethical actions or crimes by claiming the ends justify the means, or those who perform performative kindness built on a foundation of great cruelty.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a deed with the intention of gaining religious merit (punyam), but the act inadvertently causes harm or results in a mess. It is often applied when an attempt to do good backfires or when a seemingly pious person's actions are actually riddled with flaws.

This is a humorous or sarcastic expression used to comment on shifting priorities or hygiene. Pulagamu (a simple rice and dal dish) is often associated with traditional rituals or humble living, while Payasam is a luxury dessert. It can also imply that someone who settles for simple, honest food is blessed, whereas those indulging in luxuries might be cutting corners or acting out of greed.

This proverb refers to individuals who are lazy or incompetent when it comes to physical labor or getting things done, but are extremely talkative or boastful about their abilities. It is used to describe people who talk a lot to cover up their lack of effort or action.

This proverb warns that paying attention to hearsay, rumors, or others' manipulative talk without verifying the facts will eventually lead to harm or disaster. It is used to advise someone to be wary of people who try to influence them with gossip.

This expression describes people who offer verbal sympathy or make grand promises but disappear when actual help or hospitality (like providing a meal) is required. It refers to someone who is friendly only on the surface and avoids the responsibility of true friendship or kinship.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a supposedly good deed or religious act, but the unintended negative consequences, sins, or flaws associated with it far outweigh the benefits. It highlights hypocrisy or the futility of an action that brings more harm than good.

This proverb refers to things that are superficial or temporary. Just as a fire from a thin stick (splinter) burns out quickly and decorations provide no real sustenance, it describes something that looks good or promising on the outside but lacks substance or longevity.