నీటికి కలువ, మాటకు చలువ

This proverb highlights that certain things are incomparable and original in their value. Just as ploughed land retains moisture and nutrients essential for crops, mother's milk is the ultimate nourishment for a child. It is used to emphasize the importance of foundational or natural things over artificial or secondary alternatives.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone abandons a stable, abundant, or primary source of resources (the pond) in favor of a temporary, narrow, or unreliable source (the canal). It highlights poor decision-making where one trades a greater benefit for a lesser one.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two inferior or low-quality things are exchanged or paired together. It suggests a 'tit-for-tat' scenario where neither party can complain because both provided something of poor value. It is similar to saying 'diamond cuts diamond' but in a negative or poor-quality context.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of persistence, consistency, and hard work. It suggests that by repeatedly putting effort into a task—even one that seems hopeless or unproductive—success can eventually be achieved.

A sarcastic expression used to describe something that is actually the opposite of what is being said. Since neem is incredibly bitter and summer is scorching hot, this phrase highlights a situation that is extremely unpleasant, harsh, or difficult, while using ironic comparisons.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of choosing the right environment and company. If you stay in a place or situation that is inappropriate for your character or social standing, you will inevitably face numerous false accusations or damage to your reputation, even if you have done nothing wrong.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely stingy or a situation where every tiny resource is exploited to the point of exhaustion. It suggests that someone is so greedy or frugal that they would even try to extract use from the remains of a broken tool or a withered limb. It characterizes excessive miserliness.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a single powerful, swift, or skilled individual easily scatters or dominates a large but weaker group. It signifies overwhelming power, efficiency, and a one-sided encounter.

Svātikonga is a kind of crane which emigrates in Svāti, the 15th lunar mansion. Sāḷuva is a hawk used in hunting.

This proverb is used to highlight that if someone lacks the capability to perform a small or basic task, they are certainly incapable of handling much larger or more complex challenges. It is often used to criticize someone making grand claims without proving their worth in simpler matters.

This is a historical local saying or 'sameta' from the Nellore district regarding the village of Kaluwayi. It describes a deceptive practice where strangers were lured with hospitality ('saying yes' and showing a house), only to be swindled of their money (the silver rupee) through clever manipulation or 'ankutalu' (deception). It is used to caution people against being misled by outward appearances of friendliness that hide a motive to steal or cheat.