ముద్దులాడితే ముక్కు నొక్కినట్లు

This expression describes a situation where someone performs a task haphazardly, clumsily, or without any sense of direction or awareness. It is used when someone's actions are messy and lack the precision or skill required for the job.

This expression is used to describe someone who is inconsistent, frequently changes their stance, or fails to stand by their word. It characterizes a person who lacks integrity or goes back on promises immediately after making them.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone works extremely hard on a task, but receives very little or insignificant benefit compared to the effort put in. It refers to the manual labor of pounding grain, where the worker might only get to eat a few grains that fall into her mouth while the bulk of the produce goes to someone else.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's attempt to gain affection or a favor results in an unexpected punishment or a harsh consequence. It is often used to mock someone who expected a reward but received a reprimand instead, or when a situation backfires completely.

This proverb highlights that certain things are inherently dangerous or have consequences regardless of our affection or ownership. It is used to caution someone that being close to or protecting a wrongdoer, even if they are a loved one or family member, will eventually result in harm to oneself.

This expression describes doing things for the sake of formality or in a routine, mechanical manner without real devotion or focus. It is used when someone performs a task just to get it over with or to show others they have done it, rather than putting in genuine effort or intent.

This proverb refers to things that are brief and short-lived. A shepherd's sleep is interrupted by the flock, just as a child's kiss is fleeting. It is used to describe tasks or moments that do not last long.

This proverb emphasizes that only what you have already consumed or secured for yourself is truly yours. It is used to describe situations involving uncertainty or limited resources, suggesting that one should value what they have already obtained rather than relying on future promises or potential gains that may never materialize.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to decorate or improve something that is fundamentally broken or flawed. It refers to misplaced efforts or superficial improvements that do not suit the actual condition of the object or person.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone becomes completely submissive or compliant due to pressure, force, or the fear of authority. Just as a cow yields when its neck is tethered or pressed by a rope (talugu), a person might give in or lose their resistance when they are under tight control or caught in a difficult situation.