రెండు పూటలా తినడం భోగం, ఒంటి పూట తినడం యోగం

This proverb highlights that certain entities suffer significant loss or cause significant loss even with a small deprivation. For a cattle (pasaram), missing one meal affects its strength and milk yield immediately; for a Brahmin (traditionally dependent on ritual meals), missing one meal is considered a great loss of merit or hospitality. It is used to describe situations where even a small lapse can result in a substantial measurable deficit.

This proverb highlights the difference in resilience and endurance. It suggests that those accustomed to hardships or simplicity often handle difficulties better than those who are pampered or live in luxury. It is used to mock someone who complains despite having plenty, or to praise the grit of the underprivileged.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to satisfy a large need or perform a major task with a completely insufficient or petty action. Licking a ladle doesn't provide enough food to constitute a meal, yet it technically breaks a fast, resulting in the person losing the merit of the fast without gaining the satisfaction of eating.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers something that is purely imaginary, non-existent, or impossible to provide. It mocks people who make grand promises or offers that have no basis in reality, similar to offering to share a drawing of food instead of actual food.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone overreacts or provides an excessive, disproportionate solution to a very minor or short-lived problem. It highlights the lack of balance between the magnitude of the issue and the intensity of the response.

This proverb is used to convey that the ultimate fate or hidden potential of a piece of land, a stone, or a human being is unpredictable. Just as an ordinary stone might be carved into a deity and worshipped (Shila Bhogam), or an empty plot might become a palace (Sthala Bhogam), a person's future fortune or destiny is invisible and can change unexpectedly.

This expression refers to a temporary feeling of detachment or philosophical realization that arises in the face of death or tragedy, but fades away quickly as soon as one returns to normal life. It is used to describe short-lived resolutions or fleeting spiritual thoughts.

This traditional Telugu proverb highlights the health benefits of moderation in eating. It suggests that eating once a day leads to spiritual and physical discipline (Yogi), eating twice a day is for those enjoying a worldly life (Bhogi), while eating three or more times a day leads to sickness or a diseased state (Rogi).

This expression refers to temporary or illusory happiness that has no reality or lasting value. It is used to describe a situation where someone imagines great success or luxury, but in reality, they possess nothing. Similar to the English concept of 'castles in the air' or a fleeting pleasure.

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme poverty or scarcity. It refers to a situation where despite the day having three natural meal times (morning, afternoon, and night), a person can only afford or find enough food to eat once.