పాతబడ్డ బావినీరు, మేకలపాడి రోత

This proverb highlights the physical and social hardships of old age. It suggests that while many things in life can be unpleasant, the infirmity, dependency, and loss of dignity often associated with extreme old age are the most difficult to endure.

This expression is used when someone requests help or a specific favor but receives something useless, harmful, or completely contrary to their needs. It highlights a situation of disappointment where a genuine plea is met with indifference or hostility.

This traditional Telugu saying emphasizes that even a simple common cold should not be taken lightly. It implies that a cold can cause as much physical discomfort, weakness, and irritation as ten different ailments combined, or that it can be the starting point for many other health complications.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone starts a task or a journey with a specific, often simple or solitary intention, but ends up involved in something much more complex, crowded, or messy than anticipated.

This expression refers to a situation where a person is living a temporary or transient lifestyle without a permanent home or establishment. It is often used to describe people who rely on bought food and public resources rather than a settled domestic life, or to highlight a hand-to-mouth existence where one lacks long-term security.

This expression refers to things that are considered unhealthy or unpleasant. Stagnant water from an old, neglected well is unsafe to drink, and goat's milk was historically considered inferior or unpalatable compared to cow or buffalo milk in certain contexts. It is used to describe situations or choices that are equally undesirable.

This proverb is used to describe actions or consequences that are irreversible or inevitable. Just as water absorbed by a field is utilized or lost to the soil and a physical blow leaves an impact or mark that must be endured, certain words spoken or actions taken cannot be taken back and their effects must be faced.

The result that can be achieved depends on the resources available.

This proverb describes someone who is extremely lazy, indifferent, or lacks a sense of urgency even in life-threatening or critical situations. It is used to criticize people who prioritize trivial personal comforts over immediate, serious responsibilities.

This proverb highlights the importance of livestock (specifically dairy cows/buffaloes) in traditional households. Just as a well that has fallen into disrepair or dried up is useless to a thirsty person, a house without 'paadi' (dairy wealth) is considered incomplete, lacking in prosperity, and unable to provide essential nourishment.