నామం పెడితే కామం తగ్గుతుందా?

This proverb suggests that external displays of piety or religious symbols do not necessarily change one's internal character or worldly desires. It is used to point out hypocrisy or to emphasize that true change must be internal rather than superficial.

This proverb is used to convey that the value of an expert's skill, the wisdom of an elder, or the quality of a core asset does not diminish just because of age. It emphasizes that intrinsic value and talent remain constant regardless of the passage of time.

This proverb is used to describe an extremely stingy person. It suggests that if someone is so miserly that they hesitate to provide even the bare minimum during a period of total fasting (lankanam), they will certainly compromise or reduce the quality further when it comes to a regular restricted diet (pathyam). It implies that a person's stingy nature remains constant or worsens regardless of the necessity.

This proverb is used to emphasize that one must face the consequences of their past actions or inevitable destiny. It suggests that once a difficult situation or the result of one's karma arrives, it cannot be avoided or escaped simply by wishing it away; it must be endured.

This expression describes a situation where someone puts a lot of effort into helping, teaching, or reforming someone else, only for that person to immediately undo it or disregard the advice the moment they are alone. It is used to highlight the futility of trying to help someone who is not interested in changing or lacks appreciation.

This expression refers to the inevitable coexistence of opposites. Just as light and shadow are inseparable in a landscape, joy and sorrow, or good and bad, always exist together within a community or life in general.

This expression is used when an action taken with good intentions or for the sake of discipline/piety backfires and leads to unexpected trouble or loss. It signifies a situation where following a ritual or a rule strictly results in one's own undoing.

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to negotiate or compromise when they are asked to do something difficult or extreme. It refers to a person who, when told to fast completely (Lankanam) for health reasons, tries to negotiate down to a restricted diet (Pathyam) instead of following the full instruction.

This proverb is used to describe an extremely cunning or deceitful person. It suggests that a person is so crafty and manipulative that they would try to cheat or trick even the highest authority or God Himself. 'Naamam pettadam' is a common Telugu idiom for cheating or swindling someone.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone fails so badly that they lose both their reputation (name) and their discipline or principles (rules). It describes a total loss of character and standing.