నూలిపోగు అతుకు

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person. It suggests that even when dealing with large sums like a hundred or a crore, the person gives something of negligible or trivial value (like a single thread or a cow's tail hair), highlighting their reluctance to part with their wealth.

This traditional proverb reflects historical gender roles and social hierarchies. It suggests that a man's life or contribution is seen as substantial and central (a bowl full of food), while a woman's life is often perceived as supplementary or less significant (a single grain in liquid). It is used to describe the disparity in how society values the lives and roles of men and women.

This expression suggests that telling a lie requires weaving together multiple fabricated points to make it seem believable. It implies that lies are often inconsistent or fragile, much like a cloth made of many patches that might fall apart under scrutiny.

This expression refers to performing a task or providing a solution that is perfectly sized, appropriate, or minimal yet sufficient for the specific requirement. It is often used to describe a ceremony where a simple thread is tied around an infant, symbolizing that even the smallest gesture or action is significant when done at the right time.

This proverb is often used in a reverse or comparative sense to highlight the permanence of certain damages. While modern variations sometimes swap the subjects, the traditional wisdom suggests that physical objects like a shattered clay pot are beyond repair, whereas human relationships and hearts (emotions) can potentially be healed through effort and time. It is used to emphasize caution in one's actions and words to avoid irreparable damage.

This proverb describes someone who puts on a tough or boastful exterior but reveals their weakness or emptiness when put under pressure or tested. It is often used to refer to people who talk big but lack substance or resilience.

This expression is used to convey that once something is lost, broken, or passed, it cannot be restored to its original state. It is often used in contexts regarding lost time, broken relationships, or death, emphasizing that some things in life are irreversible.

This expression is used to describe an 'all or nothing' situation or a person with extreme, inconsistent behavior. It refers to someone who either stays completely put in one place (Atukuru) or wanders off far away (Datukuru), lacking a middle ground or moderation.

This expression refers to performing a useless or futile task that yields no results despite putting in a lot of hard work. Just as pounding husks/chaff produces no grain, it describes actions that are a complete waste of time and effort.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.