ముక్కిడితొత్తుకు ముత్యపు నత్తేల?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two deceptive or cunning people try to cheat each other, or a transaction between two equally worthless or unreliable parties. It implies that neither side is superior in honesty, and they are perfectly matched in their trickery.

Two travellers met : one had a bundle of sand, the other a bundle of cowdung ; one said his bundle contained raw rice, the other that his con- tained boiled rice. They agreed to exchange, and immediately ran off in different directions, each to find himself outwitted by the other. ( See story 54, in Telugu Selections ). One trick is met by another. (Spanish.)

According to legend, raindrops during the Swathi star (Arcturus) alignment turn into pearls only when they fall into pearl oysters. This proverb is used to say that certain rare opportunities, high-quality resources, or deep knowledge are only beneficial to those with the merit or capacity to utilize them, rather than to everyone.

This expression is used to describe someone waiting with intense anticipation and hope for something very rare and valuable. According to ancient lore, raindrops falling into oysters during the Swati Nakshatra (an astronomical period) turn into pearls.

This expression is used to describe something that is excessively large, disproportionate, or ill-fitting for its intended purpose. It can also refer to a person who is too proud or important for a specific role, or someone who is beautiful but difficult to manage.

This expression describes someone waiting with intense longing, hope, or deep concentration for a specific favorable opportunity. It is based on the folklore that oyster shells open up during the Swati Nakshatra rain to catch a drop and turn it into a pearl.

This proverb describes a situation where a person already facing a problem or defect is hit with an additional misfortune. It is used when troubles come in succession or when an existing disadvantage is made worse by a new circumstance.

This proverb is used to suggest that a person does not deserve or cannot appreciate a luxury or high-value item because it does not suit their status, nature, or lifestyle. It is often used to criticize someone who possesses something far beyond their needs or capabilities.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who is already facing a disadvantage or a problem encounters an additional trouble, making their situation even worse. It is similar to the English expression 'adding insult to injury' or 'misfortunes never come singly.'

Worse and worse.

This proverb describes a situation where a person with low skills or defects is praised by someone who is equally unqualified or flawed. It is used to mock mutual admiration between incompetent people or to point out that the praise being given is meaningless because the critic has no standards or taste.

This expression describes a situation where someone is subordinate to an individual who is themselves in a lowly or subservient position. It highlights an extreme lack of authority or a hierarchy of servitude, often used to mock someone who is at the absolute bottom of a social or organizational ladder.