పొరుగింటి నెయ్యి, పెండ్లాము చెయ్యి

This proverb emphasizes the dignity of labor and the necessity of hard work. It means that only when one works hard physically (moving the elbow/arm), can they afford to eat (moving the hand to the mouth). It is used to convey that effort is a prerequisite for sustenance.

This expression emphasizes the importance of anonymous or humble charity. It suggests that when you help someone, you should do it quietly without seeking fame, recognition, or boasting about your generosity to others.

This expression is used when a plan fails right at the start, leading to a total loss. 'Mondi cheyyi chupinchadam' specifically means to cheat, refuse to help, or leave someone empty-handed after promising something.

This expression is used to mock someone who unnecessarily broadcasts their private family matters or domestic trivialities to the entire neighborhood to gain sympathy or attention. It highlights the tendency of some people to make a public spectacle of their personal problems.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely generous and charitable. Just as a hand without a bone would be flexible and unable to close or withhold, it refers to someone who gives freely to others without hesitation or stinginess.

This proverb is used to describe a hypocrite who pretends to be generous or charitable using other people's resources or properties. It refers to someone who shows off their status or kindness at the expense of others while contributing nothing themselves.

This expression is used to describe an action that worsens an already volatile or tense situation. Just as ghee makes a fire blaze more intensely, this phrase refers to 'adding fuel to the fire'—making someone angrier or making a conflict more severe.

This expression describes a situation where someone works hard or spends resources on something that only benefits others and provides no benefit to themselves. It is used to highlight wasted effort or misplaced generosity where the doer gains nothing.

This expression is used to describe a redundant or meaningless action where one thing is replaced by something identical or equally ineffective. It highlights a situation where there is no real change or improvement despite the movement or effort, often used to mock someone suggesting a solution that is the same as the current problem.

As broad as long.

This proverb highlights the interdependency within a household or society. 'Hand with bangles' refers to the woman (traditionally managing the kitchen/home), and 'hand with bracelets' refers to the man (traditionally the earner). It means that when the woman works to cook and manage the house, the man can eat and have the strength to work, or more broadly, that domestic stability is the foundation for external success.