మేనత్త మూతికి మీసాలు ఉంటే చిన్నాయన అవుతాడు

In Telugu culture, a mustache is often seen as a symbol of pride, dignity, and masculinity. This proverb is used to criticize someone who lacks a sense of honor or fails to stand up for themselves despite their outward appearance of strength or maturity. It suggests that external symbols of dignity are useless if one does not possess the inner character or 'Rosham' (self-respect/righteous anger) to back it up.

This proverb is used to signify that certain attributes or qualities are essential to define a person's character or identity. Just as a mustache was traditionally seen as a mark of masculinity and dignity for a man, specific virtues or traits are what give value to an individual's personality.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is so oblivious, thick-skinned, or foolish that they mistake a blatant insult for a term of endearment or a friendly greeting. It highlights a lack of self-respect or an inability to understand the tone and intent of others' words.

This proverb highlights that certain laws of nature or consequences are inevitable, regardless of ownership or affection. Just because something belongs to you doesn't mean it won't harm you if you handle it recklessly. It is used to caution people that favoritism or personal attachment cannot protect one from the negative results of a dangerous action.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to assert superiority or dominance, and the other person responds with an equally boastful or defiant retort. It signifies that one person is not inferior to the other and can match their ego or status with their own. It is often used to highlight stubbornness or a tit-for-tat attitude in an argument.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone continues to harass or trouble a person even after their relationship or formal connection has ended. It highlights the absurdity of persistent hostility or demands from someone who no longer has a legitimate role or right in a situation.

This proverb highlights that being overly familiar or biased toward someone/something close to you does not exempt you from the negative consequences of their harmful nature. It is used to warn that even if someone is 'our own person', their bad behavior or mistakes will still cause trouble, and one must maintain a safe distance or exercise caution regardless of the relationship.

This expression refers to a strategy of using both persuasion (friendly approach) and intimidation (threats) to get something done. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'by hook or by crook' or 'the carrot and the stick' approach.

This expression is used to suggest that when gentle persuasion, politeness, or soft tactics fail to achieve a result, the use of authority, threats, or fear becomes necessary to get the job done. It highlights the shift from a 'carrot' approach to a 'stick' approach.

This proverb is used to point out the pointlessness of 'if' and 'but' scenarios that involve impossible conditions. It suggests that speculating about hypothetical changes to fundamental facts is a waste of time and does not change reality.