పిలిస్తే బిగిస్తే సరిగాని, వస్తే వాడి అబ్బ తరమా!

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely selfish, cold-hearted, or indifferent to others' suffering. It depicts a person who prioritizes a trivial personal habit or minor comfort even while performing a somber task like preparing for a funeral. It highlights a lack of empathy or a cynical attitude towards serious situations.

This expression highlights how changes in social status or spiritual identity are often defined by what a person renounces. It describes the traditional path of detachment, where giving up personal attachments or worldly responsibilities leads to a different way of life, such as that of a wandering minstrel or a monk.

This expression is used to remark that maturity, wit, or a sense of humor (sarasam) do not automatically develop just because a person grows older. It is often used to criticize someone who is old enough but lacks social grace, romantic sensibility, or intelligence.

This is a humorous and logical Telugu proverb or riddle used to describe exaggeration or the concept of exponential growth/inflation. It highlights how a small issue, if left unchecked or exaggerated, can become absurdly large. It is often used to mock someone who is blowing things out of proportion or to point out the logical fallacy in a sequence of exaggerations.

This expression is used to describe a volatile or eccentric person whose behavior is unpredictable. If they are happy or pleased, they are extremely generous and helpful (giving a boon), but if they are offended or in a bad mood, they can be extremely destructive or hurtful (giving a curse). It highlights the risk involved in dealing with such individuals.

This proverb is most commonly used in the context of food or charity. It suggests that keeping something (like excess food) until it spoils is a waste and a 'curse', whereas giving it to someone in need turns it into a 'blessing'. It encourages generosity and the timely sharing of resources.

This is a poignant regional proverb highlighting the extreme drought conditions of the Rayalaseema region, specifically Anantapur district. It suggests that while famine is a recurring threat in the larger region, it is so persistent in Anantapur that it doesn't even need an invitation to manifest. It is used to describe chronic poverty, lack of rainfall, and the inevitable nature of hardship in arid lands.

This proverb warns against arrogance and over-indulgence. In the case of livestock, gaining weight/strength means they are put to harder labor. However, when a human becomes 'fat' with ego or pride (balupu), it leads to their downfall or destruction. It is often used to humble someone who is acting overly proud or reckless due to their wealth or power.

This expression is used to describe opportunistic behavior. It refers to a person who changes their relationship or attitude towards someone based on the situation or their own convenience. In this context, calling someone 'maradalu' implies a more casual or lower-status relationship when things are difficult (ditch), while calling them 'vadina' implies a more respectful or distant relationship when things are better (mound). It characterizes a fair-weather friend or someone who is inconsistently respectful.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a child squanders or destroys the hard work and wealth accumulated by their parents. It highlights the contrast between the creative efforts of one generation and the destructive or wasteful nature of the next.