ముక్కు కోసినా, ముందటి మొగుడే మేలు

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person with poor luck or a bad reputation ends up with a partner or a deal that matches their unfortunate circumstances. It implies that one's quality of life or choices are limited by their status or previous misfortunes.

This proverb highlights that if a family member (especially a protector) treats their own kin with disrespect or demeans them in public, outsiders will feel emboldened to do the same. It is used to advise that one must maintain dignity and respect within the family to ensure the world respects them as well.

This proverb is rooted in traditional beliefs where having a son was considered essential for family legacy and performing last rites. It suggests that the status or merit of having had a son outweighs the sorrow of losing him, or more broadly, that even a failed or short-lived positive outcome is better than having nothing at all.

This expression describes the actions of someone who, out of greed or impatience for an immediate small gain, destroys the very source of their long-term benefit. It is used when a person's short-sightedness leads to a permanent loss.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an action is misinterpreted due to a lack of communication or context. In this metaphor, a mute person might mistake the simple act of scratching one's nose as a hand sign or a mockery, as they rely heavily on visual cues. It refers to doing something that inadvertently causes confusion or gives a wrong signal to someone who is already limited in their ability to understand the intent.

This proverb is used to mock someone who, after failing or acting immorally themselves, tries to preach virtues or give advice to those they have previously wronged or abandoned. It highlights the irony and hypocrisy of a person who lacks the standing to offer counsel due to their own past actions.

This is a sarcastic or cynical proverb used to suggest that a known relative (even one who might be difficult or considered unlucky like a widow in old social contexts) is more reliable or helpful in times of need than a stranger who is merely 'noble' or 'virtuous' in name. It emphasizes that family ties, however flawed, often provide more practical support than the abstract goodness of outsiders.

A bad bush is better than the open field. Better a lean jade than an empty halter.

This proverb warns that actions taken impulsively, playfully, or without due thought can have irreversible and painful consequences. It emphasizes that regret cannot undo the damage caused by a foolish mistake or a lack of foresight.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person moves seamlessly from one task to another, or handles a new situation with the same ease or methods as a previous one. It often implies a sense of continuity in action or temperament, typically used when someone performs a second task immediately after the first without hesitation.

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks common sense or misinterprets simple instructions in a literal or foolish way. In Telugu, 'mukku' can refer to both a human nose and the nozzle of an oil lamp. It highlights the absurdity of a person who performs the wrong action due to a lack of understanding or by taking a word too literally.