మొక్కజొన్న కండె మొదలు, పొగాకు చివర.

This proverb describes a situation where one is forced to show respect or deference to someone they usually look down upon, simply because that person currently holds a position of power, divinity, or temporary authority. It highlights how circumstances or social roles can compel someone to perform actions against their personal will.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the capacity to appreciate fine things, art, or quality. Similar to the English expression 'Casting pearls before swine', it suggests that someone ignorant or unrefined cannot understand the true value or beauty of something sophisticated.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where all the progress made so far is ignored and someone is asked to start from the very beginning, usually because an influential person arrived late or didn't witness the initial effort. It signifies redundant work or lack of appreciation for progress.

This proverb signifies the essential starting points or milestones. Just as a spindle of thread is the fundamental starting point for weaving a saree, the Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony) is considered the beginning of formal education and disciplined life for a young boy in traditional Indian culture.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It means that crops sown during the Hasta rain period result in a bountiful harvest, whereas crops sown by the time of Chitta rains provide just enough for a final meal, implying it is the very end of the sowing season and yields will be minimal.

This proverb is used to describe something that has lost its purity, value, or sanctity. Just as an ornament filled with lac is considered inferior or 'fake' compared to solid gold, a house entered by a stray dog was traditionally considered ritually impure in certain cultural contexts. It refers to situations where a person or object's reputation or integrity has been compromised.

This proverb is used to emphasize that an object or person's inherent nature or quality remains unchanged regardless of the environment. Just as sowing white sorghum seeds in rich black soil won't change the color of the crop to black, a person's character or the fundamental result of an action is determined by its origin, not just the surroundings.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's own plan, words, or actions unexpectedly backfire or result in unforeseen consequences that they themselves must deal with. It implies that something meant to be consumed or used simply became a mess that fell back on the person responsible.

This proverb is used to mock someone who gives irrelevant or impractical advice because they completely misunderstood the gravity of a situation. It describes a scenario where a business has no base capital to start with, but a foolish person suggests a religious ritual as a solution, ignoring the fundamental lack of resources.

This expression refers to a wasted effort or a pointless celebration. Just as organizing a grand festival or carnival for a dead person is useless and provides no benefit to the subject, it describes actions taken or resources spent where they are completely unappreciated or ineffective.

A vain ceremony.