నోరు మూస్తే మూగ, నోరు తెరిస్తే రోత

This expression is used to describe something that is extremely fleeting, temporary, or ephemeral. It signifies that life or a specific situation is as momentary as a dream that disappears the moment you wake up.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is very eager and cooperative when there is a benefit or reward (like food) but becomes resistant or difficult when it is time to work or be disciplined (like putting on a horse's bridle). It highlights opportunistic or lazy behavior.

This proverb describes a person who is eager and greedy for small, immediate benefits (represented by a handful of boiled snacks/guggillu) but remains silent or fails to act when there is an opportunity for a much larger gain (represented by the entire harvest at the threshing floor/kallam). It is used to mock someone who lacks a sense of proportion or fails to recognize where the real profit lies.

This expression is used to describe a hypocrite who puts on a show of piety or kindness outwardly (indicated by religious marks on the forehead) but speaks or acts with cruelty and greed (like a wolf). It refers to people who are 'wolves in sheep's clothing' or those whose words don't match their holy appearance.

This proverb is used to describe a person who uses a noble cause, a deity's name, or a reputable person's authority as a cover to speak rudely, lie, or serve their own selfish interests. It highlights the hypocrisy of appearing religious or virtuous while having a foul or dishonest way of speaking.

This expression is used to describe someone who is very eager to receive benefits, rewards, or food, but becomes uncooperative or resistant when it comes to work, discipline, or control. It highlights a hypocritical or opportunistic attitude where a person wants the gains without the responsibilities.

This expression is used to describe a person who is exceptionally stubborn, argumentative, or persistent. It implies that even if you manage to silence them or win an argument, they will still find a way to have the last word or continue their defiance through some other means.

This expression describes someone who is very eager and cooperative when there is a benefit (like being fed) but becomes uncooperative or stubborn when there is work to be done or discipline to be maintained (like being bridled). It is used to mock people who are opportunistic and shirk responsibilities.

This expression is used to emphasize the importance of hard work. It means that if one does not put in the physical effort or work with their hands, they will not have anything to eat or sustain themselves. It is equivalent to the English saying 'No pain, no gain' or 'He who does not work, shall not eat.'

This expression suggests that a person's intelligence and character remain hidden as long as they stay silent, but as soon as they speak, others can judge their worth, wisdom, or foolishness. It is used to advise caution in speech or to explain how a person's true nature is revealed through their words.