నాలుగు ఏర్లు కుక్కకు తడుపు తడుపే

This proverb functions as a metaphor for the law of karma and accountability. It means that every action has a consequence, and one must eventually face the results of their deeds. Just as eating salt inevitably leads to thirst, committing an act (especially a wrong or illegal one) will inevitably lead to its natural repercussions or punishment.

This proverb emphasizes the intensive care and effort required to get a good yield from a banana plantation. It is used to describe tasks or projects that require constant maintenance, regular attention, and significant resources to succeed.

This traditional proverb suggests that a well-managed household depends on two main pillars: a disciplined or well-behaved spouse who maintains order, and the practice of saving money or being thrifty. It is used to emphasize the importance of self-control and financial management in achieving domestic harmony and prosperity.

This proverb is used to say that the person responsible for a situation or a problem is the one who must also take responsibility for its consequences and provide the necessary support or solution. It emphasizes accountability.

This proverb highlights the specific care required for certain things to maintain their quality or function. Betel leaves and tobacco dry out and spoil if not kept damp, similarly, a Haridasu (a traditional storyteller/singer) must keep his throat hydrated to continue his performance effectively. It is used to imply that certain tasks or items require constant attention and maintenance to remain useful.

This expression is used to describe a person who goes on a great or sacred journey (or takes on a significant opportunity) but returns with something worthless or engages in something trivial and disgraceful. It highlights the irony of wasting a valuable opportunity or a holy pilgrimage by focusing on or bringing back something foul.

This expression is used to describe an unpredictable person who oscillates between extremes—someone who can be insignificantly helpful or harmlessly quiet one moment, and then suddenly do something aggressive, harmful, or unexpected the next. It highlights a volatile or inconsistent personality.

This proverb is used to describe people who desire the end results, status, or benefits of a difficult process but are unwilling to endure the hard work, sacrifice, or struggles (the 'wetting') required to achieve them. It is often applied to those who want the glory without the grind.

This proverb describes a situation where a person is so vulnerable or inherently flawed that any misfortune, regardless of where it strikes, affects their most basic stability. It is often used to refer to people who are already in a weak position, where any further trouble only worsens their existing plight.

This expression refers to someone who is resourceful and makes a living or gains benefits through their cleverness, skill, or tactful maneuvering rather than just hard labor. It describes the art of managing situations to one's advantage.