నొసలు భక్తుడు నోరు తోడేలయా

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 proverb is used to mock people who show excessive, misplaced, or immature enthusiasm when starting something new. It highlights how newcomers often overdo rituals or tasks without understanding the practicalities, leading to self-inflicted trouble or embarrassment.

This expression is used to highlight that true devotion or loyalty lies in one's character and actions, rather than outward displays, rituals, or constant flattery. In modern contexts, it is often used to criticize sycophants or 'yes-men' who praise superiors purely for personal gain rather than out of genuine respect.

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 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 acts friendly and smiles to one's face, but harbors ill intentions or mocks them secretly. It refers to hypocritical behavior or being two-faced.

This expression is used to describe a small but sincere contribution to a much larger cause. It originates from the Ramayana, where a small squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying tiny grains of sand. It is used when someone wants to humbly acknowledge that while their help might be minimal in the grand scheme of things, it is offered with great sincerity.

This expression is used to describe a person who is hypocritical or insincere. It suggests that while their words seem pleasant or agreeable, their facial expressions or underlying intentions betray their true, negative feelings. It can also refer to someone whose actions or expressions contradict what they are saying.

This expression describes a situation where someone's words and their non-verbal cues (or true intentions) are contradictory. It is used to point out hypocrisy or a lack of sincerity, suggesting that while the person is saying something pleasant or formal, their facial expressions or inner attitude betray their real, often negative, feelings.