పరుగెత్తే ఎద్దునే తరిమేది

This proverb highlights the immense value and comfort of a simple, wholesome meal like dal-rice (pappannam). It is used to describe how someone is willing to go to great lengths or travel long distances for something they truly cherish or find satisfying, often used in the context of food or simple pleasures.

This satirical proverb describes someone who is extremely inefficient or slow despite having plenty of time. Even though she started her chores at dawn (when the crow caws), she managed to cook poorly and was still rushing frantically to serve the meal by sunset (when the cattle return). It is used to mock people who waste time and create unnecessary chaos at the last minute.

This proverb is used to describe an extremely lazy, sluggish, or unresponsive person. Just as a heavy rainfall cannot move a massive, stationary hill, no amount of motivation, pressure, or change in circumstances can make a fundamentally idle person act or change their ways.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person in extreme danger or emergency does not care about superstitions, omens, or minor obstacles. 'Vaarashoola' refers to an astrological belief that traveling in certain directions on certain days is unlucky. The saying suggests that when survival is at stake, such trivial rules are ignored.

This proverb suggests that showing fear or retreating encourages an aggressor or a bully to become more dominant. It is used to advise that one should stand their ground because appearing weak or submissive only invites further exploitation or intimidation by others.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person who is already working hard or doing their job well is burdened with even more work or criticism, while those who do nothing are left alone. It is similar to the English sentiment that 'the reward for good work is more work'.

This proverb means that if you show fear or act like a victim, people will take advantage of you or continue to bully you. It is used to suggest that one should stand their ground because weakness invites more aggression from others.

This expression means that a person's reputation or outward respect depends entirely on their character or the quality of their work. If one's inner worth or standard of work (vasi) declines, their fame and public standing (vanne) will automatically diminish.

This proverb is used to mock those who lack courage or honor. It implies that a person who flees from their responsibilities or a battlefield out of fear is too preoccupied with their own safety to care about dignity, relationships, or the well-being of their loved ones.

This proverb describes someone who completes the hardest part of a task or a long journey successfully, but fails, panics, or acts foolishly at the very last moment. It is used to critique lack of endurance or composure during the final stages of an endeavor.