నంగనాచి - తుంగబుట్టి

This proverb is used to indicate that when rain clouds appear in the east, heavy rain is imminent. It suggests that the water levels in rivers like the Tungabhadra will rise quickly, so shepherds should move their livestock to safer, higher ground or secure them immediately. It serves as a metaphor for taking timely precautions when early warning signs of a situation appear.

This expression is used to describe a person who appears innocent, shy, or harmless on the outside but is actually cunning, manipulative, or sharp-tongued. It highlights hypocrisy where someone's outward behavior contradicts their true, often mischievous, character.

This expression is used to mock hypocritical people who pretend to be virtuous. It implies that deceitful people (nanganachulu) cannot expect divine wisdom or a change of heart just by making a superficial show of surrender. It is often used to describe situations where people with bad intentions try to appear pious or reformed.

This expression is used to describe something that is beautiful or attractive but nonetheless harmful or dangerous. Just because a knife is made of gold, it doesn't mean it won't cut; it implies that one should not be deceived by outward elegance when the inherent nature is destructive.

This expression highlights the spiritual and physical purification qualities of India's rivers. It suggests that while bathing in the holy Ganges (Ganga) purifies the soul/sins, drinking the water of the Tungabhadra river provides the best health and taste. It is used to describe the pinnacle of excellence in specific categories or to appreciate the unique qualities of different things.

This proverb is used to describe a person who appears innocent or modest (a hypocrite) but is actually cunning. It warns that relying on or being deceived by the fake sweetness of such a person will lead to trouble or loss from all sides.

This proverb is used to describe a person who pretends to be extremely modest, virtuous, or innocent (a 'Nanganachi'), but whose true character or secrets are eventually exposed in a public and embarrassing way. It highlights that hypocrisy cannot be hidden forever.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone discards something valuable or productive and replaces it with something useless or harmful. It highlights poor decision-making or foolishness in trading a beneficial asset for a nuisance.

This expression is used to describe a person who pretends to be extremely innocent, naive, or harmless on the outside, while actually being cunning or manipulative. It characterizes someone putting on an act of extreme docility to hide their true nature.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to prevent or forbid an action that is already inevitable or impossible to stop. It refers to a story where a person named Tatambhatta forbids someone from bathing in the river Tungabhadra, even though that person has no choice but to do so or is already determined to do it. It highlights the futility of issuing orders or restrictions on things that are bound to happen or are beyond the controller's authority.