నక్క రేలకాయ సామ్యము

This is a classic Telugu proverb highlighting the intrinsic value or 'sweetness' of both a woman (referring to her character/presence in a family) and the brinjal (considered the king of vegetables in Telugu cuisine). It suggests that just as every part of a brinjal is useful and delicious, a virtuous woman brings goodness to all aspects of a household.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an insignificant or weak person tries to insult, provoke, or challenge someone who is far superior, powerful, or dignified. Just as an elephant ignores the barking of a dog and continues its walk, a great person remains unaffected by the petty criticisms of those beneath them.

This expression refers to someone who points out the faults or flaws in others while being completely oblivious to their own, much larger flaws. It originates from the observation that a monkey looks at the black spot on a red coral bead (Gurivinda ginja) and mocks it, unaware that its own buttocks are bright red. It is used to describe hypocrisy or lack of self-awareness.

The seed of the Guruvinda (Abrus Precatorius) is a small pretty black and red seed.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is surrounded by opportunities or benefits but cannot see or utilize them due to their own limitations or ignorance. Just as a blind man standing under a fruit-laden jujube tree cannot see the fruit and therefore cannot pick it, this expression is used when someone misses out on obvious advantages right in front of them.

This expression describes a situation that is extremely precarious, delicate, or risky. It is used when a task requires immense skill, balance, or caution because even a small mistake could lead to disastrous consequences. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'walking on a tightrope' or 'walking on eggshells'.

This expression refers to social standing and compatibility. It suggests that someone of high quality or nobility (represented by paddy/rice) cannot flourish or find their rightful place when surrounded by common or lesser environments (represented by ragi). It is used to highlight that excellence requires a matching environment to be truly recognized.

This expression is used to describe someone who indulges in unrealistic dreams, impractical plans, or visionary schemes that have no foundation in reality. It is used when someone is daydreaming or making grand promises that they cannot fulfill.

This expression is used to describe something that is only named after a quality it does not actually possess. In Telugu, 'Nethi Beerakaya' (Silk Gourd) has 'Neyi' (Ghee) in its name, but contains no actual ghee. It is applied to people or things that are deceptive in their titles, descriptions, or claims.

Nēti bīrakāya is the ghî cucumber. Grand in name but not worth anything. *Cleco è l'occhio, se l'animo è distrutto.

Derived from the Mahabharata, this expression refers to providing discouraging or demoralizing advice instead of support. It is used to describe a situation where someone who is supposed to help actually undermines your confidence through constant criticism or negative remarks.

This expression refers to a mysterious or inexplicable disappearance of the essence of something while the outer shell remains intact. It is based on a folk myth that if a fox swallows a wood apple (Velagapandu) whole, the pulp inside vanishes through its pores while the hard shell remains perfectly whole and empty. It is used to describe situations where the core value or substance of something is lost without any visible external damage.