ముండమోపి బలుపు, పాండు రోగి తెలుపు

This proverb warns against mistaking unhealthy or artificial growth for true progress or strength. Just as swelling (edema) might make a limb look larger but actually indicates illness rather than muscle, superficial or temporary gains should not be confused with genuine success or health. It is used to caution people who are proud of hollow achievements.

This proverb is used to convey that if something is destined to happen or is an inevitable outcome, minor factors or superficial changes cannot prevent it. It suggests that certain consequences are unavoidable regardless of the circumstances.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Two wrongs don't make a right.' It suggests that combining two negative actions, lies, or mistakes will not result in a positive outcome or the truth.

This is a traditional proverb used to describe someone who attempts to seek luxuries, adornments, or pleasures that are considered inappropriate or unnecessary given their current somber situation or social standing. It highlights a sense of irony or mismatch between a person's circumstances and their desires.

This expression is used to highlight an impossible or unnatural situation. Just as a crow can never be white and leather is inherently dark, certain truths or character traits cannot be changed no matter how much one tries to pretend otherwise.

This traditional Telugu proverb highlights the visual properties of colors in relation to physical appearance. It suggests that darker colors (black) tend to emphasize flaws, bends, or physical imperfections in an object or person, whereas brighter colors (specifically red) can mask or hide many more imperfections, making things look more attractive or seamless than they actually are.

This expression is used to describe someone who shows undue pride or arrogance based on very limited or meager resources. Just as a cow might grow slightly plump from drinking leftover kitchen slop (kuditi), the 'fatness' or pride of the person is entirely dependent on something insignificant or temporary.

This proverb reflects traditional social biases where the qualities or perceived flaws of a new entrant (the daughter-in-law) are unfairly attributed to the reputation or lineage of the entire family. It is often used to describe how a single person's traits or actions are sometimes used by society to judge an entire community or group.

This proverb warns against mistaking appearances or symptoms of problems for genuine quality or strength. Swelling on the body might make a muscle look bigger, but it is a sign of illness, not strength. Similarly, a scar or branding mark shouldn't be confused with natural beauty. It is used to describe situations where something superficial or negative is being misinterpreted as a positive attribute.

This proverb describes things that appear positive but are actually signs of distress or illness. Just as an anemic person looks 'fair' (pale) due to sickness and a widow might appear 'heavy' (bloated) due to poor health or grief rather than vitality, it refers to deceptive appearances where a seemingly good trait is actually a symptom of a deeper problem.