మొగుడికే మొగతనం ఉంటే, తంబళ్ళవారి తగులాటమేమి?

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks decency, respect, or a sense of sanctity. Just as a dog would lick anything without regard for its religious significance (the Shiva Lingam or its base, the Panavattam), a person without shame or character will act inappropriately regardless of the situation or the importance of the objects/people involved.

This proverb is used to describe a streak of bad luck or a situation where troubles seem to accumulate for someone who is already suffering. It is similar to the English expression 'When it rains, it pours.'

This is a bold Telugu proverb used to imply that if a person is capable and fulfills their responsibilities effectively, there is no need to seek help or favors from outsiders. It highlights self-sufficiency and the importance of a primary person performing their duty so that external intervention becomes unnecessary.

This proverb is used to describe a person who shows unnecessary arrogance or makes fussy demands when someone is desperately trying to help them or do them a favor. It highlights the irony of a person who is in no position to negotiate but still tries to act superior or picky.

This expression refers to excessive or unnecessary suspicion. It originates from a folklore where a priest (Tambala) remains suspicious of others' intentions even when things are straightforward, leading to self-created anxiety or complications. It is used to describe a person who doubts everything despite having no valid reason.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who is being given something for free (often something undesirable or unnecessary) starts acting overly picky or demanding. It is used to mock people who act entitled or fastidious when they are actually in a position of receiving an unearned favor or a desperate offer.

This proverb is used to criticize or mock ineffective or disorganized leadership. It suggests that just as a temple priest (Tambali) is not traditionally seen as a ruling authority, certain types of management might be weak, fussy, or lack real power, leading to chaos or poor results.

This proverb is used to criticize situations where people who are perceived as weak or unsuitable for leadership are given authority, suggesting that such leadership will be ineffective or lack real power. Historically, 'Tamballa' referred to a specific community of temple priests who were often seen as non-assertive, and this expression draws a parallel between their perceived nature and the leadership of women (reflecting traditional patriarchal views). It is used to mock a household or organization where the leadership is seen as weak or disorderly.

This proverb is used to describe work that is of poor quality, unreliable, or amateurish. It refers to people attempting tasks for which they lack true expertise, resulting in something mediocre or untrustworthy. It is often used to mock someone's superficial skills.

This proverb highlights a contrast in misfortunes or types of husbands. It describes a situation where one woman has a difficult, argumentative husband who at least provides an asset (earrings), while another woman has a husband who is so burdened by debt or poverty that he sells off what little they have just to survive. It is used to compare different types of domestic struggles or to show that someone's gain is often lost due to another's dire circumstances.