పొట్టకు పుట్టెడు తిని అట్లకు ఆదివారము

This proverb highlights a critical phase in agriculture. 'Potta' refers to the stage where the grain is forming inside the stalk (booting stage). During this specific time, the crop requires an abundant and timely supply of water to ensure a good yield. It is used to emphasize that providing the right resources at the most critical moment is essential for success.

This proverb is used to suggest that what a person lacks in physical stature or height, they often make up for with extreme cleverness, wit, or cunningness. It implies that short people are exceptionally sharp-minded.

This is a popular Telugu saying used to imply that short-statured people are exceptionally clever, cunning, or resourceful. The term 'Puttadu' refers to a large traditional measuring unit, suggesting that their intelligence is disproportionately large compared to their height.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It means that crops sown during the Hasta rain period result in a bountiful harvest, whereas crops sown by the time of Chitta rains provide just enough for a final meal, implying it is the very end of the sowing season and yields will be minimal.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a deed with the intention of gaining religious merit (punyam), but the act inadvertently causes harm or results in a mess. It is often applied when an attempt to do good backfires or when a seemingly pious person's actions are actually riddled with flaws.

This proverb is used to describe something that is only useful for decorative or superficial purposes but lacks functional value. Just as lime/chalk powder looks like flour but cannot be eaten, some people or objects may look the part but fail in practical application.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the monsoon cycles. Arudra is an auspicious star/period for sowing crops. It means that seeds sown during this specific rainy period will yield an abundant harvest. It emphasizes the importance of timing in farming and suggests that even a small effort at the right time leads to great results.

This expression is often used as a lighthearted or humorous response when someone says they have no money. It refers to a play on the word 'Hasta', which is an astrological star but also means 'hand' in Sanskrit. The phrase implies that the hand is empty or that one has reached a state of financial 'emptiness' on a specific day.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is overly eager, meddlesome, or makes premature preparations based on someone else's resources or actions without being asked. It highlights the foolishness of depending on or intervening in matters that do not belong to oneself.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a supposedly good deed or religious act, but the unintended negative consequences, sins, or flaws associated with it far outweigh the benefits. It highlights hypocrisy or the futility of an action that brings more harm than good.