మిద్దె మీది పరుగు

This proverb is used to describe someone with limited capability, influence, or reach. Just as a lizard quickly scurries away but can only hide within the safety of a nearby bush, a person's power or boastful threats are limited to their specific domain or narrow boundaries. It is often said to humble someone who is overstepping their bounds or acting more important than they are.

This proverb is used to describe a person who maintains a false sense of pride or prestige (symbolized by the mustache) despite being extremely poor or having nothing of value (symbolized by having only useless husks on their roof). It refers to people who prioritize outward appearances over their actual dire situation.

This expression refers to a situation where one is in a dilemma or helpless state. Because a mouse is sitting on a sacred Shivalinga, one cannot hit the mouse for fear of desecrating the idol, nor can one leave it there. It describes a delicate predicament where taking action is as problematic as remaining inactive.

This proverb is used to describe situations where one incurs more loss than gain when trying to perform a task without the necessary resources. It refers to the futility of borrowing things to show off status, where the effort of cleaning up or the damage to the borrowed items outweighs the benefits of the event.

Piranṭam is an invitation given to married women on the occasion of any domestic festival. Family priests sometimes hire married women to attend on such occasions, the condition being that all presents received go to the priest. The food set before these substitutes is often bad. Come uncalled sit unserved. Go neither to a wedding nor a christening without invitation.

This expression describes a person who is indecisive or neutral, refusing to take a side in a conflict or decision. Just as a cat sitting on a wall can jump to either side at any moment, it refers to someone waiting to see which side will be more advantageous before committing.

This proverb highlights the punctuality and inevitability of certain actions. Just as a devout Brahmin will never miss his evening prayers (Sandhyavandanam), a shrewd merchant (Komati) will never let a debt go uncollected or unpaid for long. It is used to describe things that are certain to happen or must be settled promptly.

This expression is used to question someone's true motives. It suggests that a person might be performing a task or participating in an activity not out of genuine interest or devotion, but for the secondary benefits or rewards (like food or money) associated with it.

This proverb highlights that borrowed things or services obtained through payment (rent) rather than genuine relationship result in poor quality or damage. Specifically, it suggests that when someone attends a function only for the sake of money or rent, they lack care, leading to messy outcomes. It is used to caution against relying on borrowed items or insincere participation.

This expression refers to someone who focuses on outward appearances, vanity, or superficial shows of status while lacking actual substance, property, or a solid foundation. It describes a person who prioritizes pride and showing off over practical stability.

This expression is used to describe a process that is extremely smooth, effortless, and free of any obstacles. Since the Nalleru plant is succulent and slippery, a cart's wheels glide over it very easily.