పులగము మీదికి తెడ్డెడు పప్పు

This expression refers to a situation where one is in a dilemma or helpless state. Because a mouse is sitting on a sacred Shivalinga, one cannot hit the mouse for fear of desecrating the idol, nor can one leave it there. It describes a delicate predicament where taking action is as problematic as remaining inactive.

This phrase is used to emphasize that being in debt is a constant source of stress, trouble, and psychological burden. It serves as a warning to avoid taking loans or living beyond one's means.

Debt is the worst poverty.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being intentionally stubborn, contrary, or uncooperative. It refers to a person who gives an irrelevant or opposite response to whatever is said, making it impossible to have a productive conversation or reach an agreement.

This is a humorous or sarcastic expression used to comment on shifting priorities or hygiene. Pulagamu (a simple rice and dal dish) is often associated with traditional rituals or humble living, while Payasam is a luxury dessert. It can also imply that someone who settles for simple, honest food is blessed, whereas those indulging in luxuries might be cutting corners or acting out of greed.

This expression refers to something that adds extra benefit or comfort to an already good situation. Since 'Pulagam' is a wholesome meal of rice and dal cooked together, adding extra 'Pappu' (dal/lentil stew) on top makes it even more delicious and rich. It is used to describe a situation where a small addition makes something significantly better.

This proverb refers to a person who has become desperate, reckless, or completely shameless. Once a person loses their fear or sense of social propriety, they stop caring about the sacredness or rules of society, treating even a common kitchen tool like a ladle with the same (or lack of) regard as a holy deity. It is used to describe someone who has nothing left to lose and acts without inhibition.

This expression refers to something that is incomplete, ineffective, or lacks the essential component that gives it value. Just as 'Pulagam' is incomplete without dal and 'Dappalam' (stew) is tasteless without salt, it is used to describe a situation, a person's work, or an event that is pointless or lacks substance.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely agitated, irritable, or prone to sudden outbursts of anger. Just as salt crackles and pops violently when thrown into a fire, it characterizes a person's volatile temperament or a situation that is highly unstable and reactive.

This proverb highlights how people's perspectives and sources of refuge change based on their circumstances. Historically, it refers to social reformer Kandukuri Veeresalingam who supported widows, implying that those in specific distress look for specific saviors. The second part suggests that once a person loses all fear or becomes completely desperate (or reckless), they cease to care about formalities or sacredness, treating even a common kitchen tool (ladle) as a god. It is used to describe people who have reached a point where they no longer care about social consequences or traditional norms.

This proverb describes people who have lost all sense of shame, fear, or social decorum. It suggests that once a person decides to be reckless or shameless, they no longer respect sacred symbols or social boundaries, treating even a common kitchen ladle (teddu) as a deity (Lingam) out of mockery or indifference. It is used to describe someone who acts without restraint or accountability.