పెద్దతల లేకపోతే పొట్టేలు తలన్నా తెచ్చిపెట్టుకోమన్నారు

This proverb emphasizes the importance of gratitude and reverence. It suggests that if one cannot show respect or devotion to their own mother (the primary giver of life), they should at least show it to the sacred Tulasi plant, which is considered a universal mother figure in culture. It is used to remind someone to maintain a sense of spirituality or basic respect even if they fail in their primary duties.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone settles for a substitute or an alternative when the original or preferred choice is unavailable. It highlights the human tendency to find a replacement, sometimes even an inappropriate or simplified one, just to fill a void.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.

Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.

This sarcastic expression is used to describe someone who lacks common sense, wisdom, or the desire to work, yet is always ready and eager to eat. It highlights the irony of a person being mentally inactive but physically demanding.

This proverb is used to describe someone who gives bad, sarcastic, or destructive advice under the guise of an auspicious or positive occasion. Uttarayanam is considered a highly sacred period in the Hindu calendar where dying is believed to lead to salvation; however, advising someone to commit suicide just because the timing is 'good' is absurd and malicious.

This proverb emphasizes the absolute necessity of having an elder or a wise person present during important events, discussions, or ceremonies to provide guidance and maintain order. 'Gotti' refers to a prickly shrub (Ziziphus xylopyrus), implying that even if a real elder isn't available, one should find a substitute or a symbol of authority to ensure things proceed correctly.

This proverb emphasizes the necessity of having someone in charge, even if they aren't the most qualified. It suggests that a group or organization cannot function without a head or leader (pedda tala), and in the absence of a wise elder, even a mediocre or symbolic leader is better than having no leadership at all to maintain order.

Better than nothing. When you can't get bread, oat cakes are not amiss. ( Spanish. )*

This expression refers to fair-weather friends or opportunistic people who do not offer genuine help. It describes a situation where people encourage you as long as things are going well (keep stretching), but as soon as you stumble or face a setback (slip), they indifferently tell you to just fall down instead of helping you up.

This expression is used to mock someone who takes on unnecessary, troublesome, or tedious tasks just because they are bored or idle. A 'Kanchi goat' implies a stubborn or difficult animal that requires constant attention, suggesting that the person has invited avoidable trouble into their life to stay busy.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of having an experienced or wise person at the helm. It suggests that without a wise leader (a big head) to guide and make decisions, simply holding a position of authority or seniority (elderliness) is not enough to manage a family or a group effectively.