పాములలో మెలగవచ్చును గాని, స్వాములలో మెలగకూడదు.

This proverb emphasizes that speaking the truth might lead to temporary criticism or accusations from others who are uncomfortable with it, but ultimately, the person remains honorable. It suggests that while one might be blamed for being blunt or honest, their character remains untarnished in the long run, unlike the shame that follows a lie.

This proverb emphasizes how practice and habits reinforce a state. Just as constant practice makes a singer's voice more melodic, constantly dwelling on illness or complaining about pain can make one's health feel worse or cause the ailment to persist. It is used to highlight that persistent effort leads to mastery, while persistent negativity leads to decline.

This expression describes a person who strategically chooses their position to avoid responsibility or danger. Among monitor lizards (which are slow/harmless), they act like a leader (the head), but among dangerous snakes, they act like the tail to stay inconspicuous and safe. It refers to someone who is opportunistic or cowardly, changing their status based on the company they are in.

This proverb highlights that while it is easy to measure or understand physical and material things, it is impossible to truly know or measure a person's inner thoughts, intentions, or character. It is often used to advise caution when trusting people, as their outward appearance may not reflect their hidden motives.

A slightly better position. All pleasures and miseries are relative. When compared with a man with two of his legs amputated, the one with at least one leg is fortunate. It is the positive (optimistic) attitude that matters.

This proverb highlights the difficulty of achieving harmony or agreement among women living together. It suggests that while a large group of men (represented by 'shikha') can coexist peacefully, even a small group of women (represented by 'koppu') often struggle to avoid conflict or disagreement due to varying opinions and temperaments.

This proverb is used to mock someone who tries to sound superior or important in a group where everyone is essentially of the same status or rank. It highlights a false sense of hierarchy or self-importance among equals.

This expression is used to describe a total loss or a situation where a deal results in losing both the profit and the initial capital. It signifies a complete failure of an investment or a scheme where nothing is recovered.

This traditional proverb suggests that while a large number of men (symbolized by 'shikha' or tufts) can work together or live in harmony, even a small number of women (symbolized by 'koppu' or hair buns) often find it difficult to coexist without conflict or disagreements. It is typically used to remark on domestic friction or the perceived difficulty of managing multiple women in a single household.

This expression is used to describe a person who is exceptionally dangerous, cunning, or toxic even among a group of wicked people. It signifies being the most prominent or harmful element within a negative category.