మిడుతంభట్టు రైతుల మిత్తి

This proverb highlights the importance of staying true to one's role. A farmer must stay on his land to tend to crops; if he wanders away, his farm fails. Conversely, a monk (Bairagi) is meant to travel and seek spiritual truth; if he settles in one place, he becomes entangled in worldly attachments and loses his purpose.

This proverb highlights the unpredictable nature of rain-dependent (dry-land) farming. It suggests that such a farmer's wealth or food supply is limited and contained, much like a small box. It is often used to describe someone whose livelihood is entirely dependent on nature's mercy and lacks surplus stability.

This is a traditional Telugu comparison used to describe the nature of different groups of people based on their geographical location. Velangi farmers are traditionally known for being hardworking and aggressive in their cultivation efforts, while Velpuri farmers are noted for their cooperative nature or specific agricultural patterns. It is used to highlight regional differences in work ethic, temperament, or lifestyle.

This proverb highlights that land is inherently fertile and productive; if a crop fails or there is no wealth, it is due to the farmer's lack of resources, effort, or unfortunate circumstances rather than a defect in the soil itself. It is used to emphasize the importance of investment and hard work in agriculture.

This expression is used to describe a lucky coincidence or an accidental success that is mistaken for genuine skill or foresight. It originates from a folk story about a man named Midatambhattu who, while searching for a lost item, happened to catch a grasshopper (midata) and exclaimed, 'I caught you, grasshopper!'. Coincidentally, the thief's name was also Midata, leading people to believe he had divine astrological powers. It is used when someone gets something right by pure chance (Kakataliyam).

This proverb highlights the social reality that the comfort and opulence enjoyed by the ruling class or the wealthy often come at the expense of the hard work and suffering of laborers and farmers. It is used to point out social inequality or to acknowledge the invisible labor behind someone else's luxury.

This proverb describes someone who acts arrogant, bold, or powerful only because they have support or favorable circumstances. Just as a fish loses its ability to jump once the water is gone, such people lose their influence and become helpless once their support system or resources are removed. It is used to remind someone that their current pride is temporary and dependent on their environment.

This expression is used to describe someone who overreacts or creates a huge fuss over a very trivial, insignificant issue. It highlights the behavior of being overly sensitive or dramatic about minor inconveniences.

This proverb highlights the vital importance of the farmer to the land. It suggests that without the hard work, care, and presence of a dedicated farmer, even fertile land will turn into a barren, uncultivated wasteland. It is used to emphasize that the productivity of any asset or organization depends entirely on the diligence of its caretaker.

This proverb describes the difficult relationships a woman may face in her marital home. It suggests that while the mother-in-law constantly nags or demands like a moneylender (mitti), the sister-in-law (specifically the husband's brother's wife) can be sharp, cutting, or hostile like a knife. It is used to express the domestic challenges and lack of peace in a joint family setting.