పొదుగు చింపిన పసరం పోతు నీనుతుందా?

This is a traditional Telugu riddle where the answer is 'broom' (poraka/cheepuru). When a new broom is brought, it 'fills' the house with cleanliness, and as it wears down over time, the broken sticks are discarded in the backyard, eventually filling it up. It is used to describe things that are useful in their prime but become waste after their purpose is served.

This proverb suggests that physical stature does not necessarily determine strength or capability. It implies that short people are often sturdy and resilient (tough), while tall people might be clumsy or lacking in stamina (hollow). It is used to caution against judging someone's ability based solely on their height.

This expression describes the actions of someone who, out of greed or impatience for an immediate small gain, destroys the very source of their long-term benefit. It is used when a person's short-sightedness leads to a permanent loss.

This expression is used to describe a person who is acting without any restraint, discipline, or control. Just as an ox or bull becomes uncontrollable once its nose rope (the tool used to guide it) is broken, a person who ignores rules or authority is compared to 'mukku tadu tegina pasaram'.

This proverb suggests that if subordinates or dependents fail or become unproductive, the blame lies with the leader or the person in charge. It highlights the importance of proper supervision, management, and leadership.

This expression is used to emphasize that certain misdeeds or cruel acts are so grave that no amount of subsequent good deeds, charity, or religious penance can atone for them. It highlights that the consequences of a fundamental wrong cannot be easily erased by superficial acts of virtue.

This expression describes something that is completely ruined, mangled, or left in a state of utter disorder. It is used to refer to situations, objects, or systems that have been damaged beyond repair or rendered messy due to clumsy or destructive handling.

This proverb is used to describe the irony or foolishness of young people mocking the elderly. Just as a green leaf (the youth) will eventually turn yellow and fall like the old leaf, everyone is subject to the passage of time and aging. It serves as a reminder that the fate of the old today will be the fate of the young tomorrow.

Physical injuries or wounds caused by weapons heal over time, but the pain caused by harsh, cruel, or insulting words leaves a permanent scar on the mind. This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of speech and warns people to be careful with their words, as emotional damage is much harder to repair than physical hurt.

This proverb describes a person's tendency to return to old habits, familiar places, or routine ways of thinking, even when they are no longer beneficial or necessary. It emphasizes the power of long-standing habits and the difficulty of breaking free from one's past patterns.