పుట్టిల్లు చేరువ, దగ్గర వాన ఉండకూడదు

This expression is used to describe a person who boasts or brags excessively about their courage and abilities but proves to be a coward or fails miserably when it comes to actual action. It originates from the Mahabharata, where Prince Uttara Kumara made grand claims of bravery before fleeing the battlefield upon seeing the Kuru army.

Uttara, the son of king Virâṭa, volunteered to attack the Kurus, but his courage failed him and he turned tail at the sight of the enemy ( see Virâṭaparva of the Mahâbhârata ). Bragging. Bombast.

This expression implies that the character, behavior, and values of the citizens or followers are a reflection of their leader. If the leader is righteous and hardworking, the people will follow suit; if the leader is corrupt, the society tends to follow that path. It is used to emphasize the influence and responsibility of leadership.

This proverb is used to describe a person who, despite losing their status, wealth, or health, still retains their pride, arrogance, or core character traits. It implies that a person's fundamental nature remains unchanged even after they have lost their power or resources.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one's efforts, talents, or advice are wasted on someone who cannot appreciate or understand them. It is similar to the English idiom 'Casting pearls before swine.'

This expression is used to describe a situation where one is stating the obvious or providing information that the listener already knows. It highlights a redundant question or an redundant explanation of a self-evident fact, as a mother's birthplace is naturally the house of the maternal uncle.

This proverb suggests that in certain situations, being overly modest or shy can lead to personal loss. Specifically, when eating (so you get enough to satisfy your hunger) and when conducting business or legal matters (so you ensure your interests are protected), you must be direct and outspoken.

This expression describes a situation where someone suddenly becomes humble, respectful, or starts calling an enemy 'brother' only when faced with an immediate, life-threatening danger or severe punishment. It is used to mock people who only show manners or submission when they are under duress.

This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of philosophical realizations or remorse. People often express deep wisdom or regret during somber moments (like a funeral), but quickly return to their usual habits and desires once they are back in the comfort of their daily lives.

In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.

This proverb highlights how society perceives the same object or quality differently based on a person's status or wealth. When a powerful or rich person possesses something, it is highly valued and praised, but when a poor person has the same thing, it is often dismissed as worthless or ordinary. It is used to describe social bias and the unfair weight given to status.