సాగితే నియోగం, సాగక పోతే చచ్చేయోగం

This expression is used to describe a task or responsibility that brings no reward, benefit, or appreciation despite the effort put in. It can also refer to thankless jobs or situations where one works hard for nothing in return.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person tries to cover up a mistake or a wrongdoing with a lie. If the lie is believed, they get away with it (it remains just a 'lie'); if the lie fails and they are caught, the act is exposed as something much more scandalous or serious. It highlights how people manipulate truths to suit their convenience until they are caught.

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 is used to describe a situation where a minor ailment allows a person to enjoy undivided attention, rest, and care from others without having to fulfill daily responsibilities. It implies that being sick can be a 'luxury' only when one has the resources, help, and comfort to manage it comfortably.

This proverb highlights the stages of exhaustion or effort. It implies that being halfway through a struggle or being partially exhausted might still yield something artistic or useful (like music), but pushing oneself or a situation to the point of complete destruction leads only to ruin or loss.

This proverb describes people who change their identity, status, or affiliations based on their success or convenience. It highlights opportunism, where individuals associate themselves with a more prestigious group (Pakanati) when they are doing well, but revert to their original or humbler roots (Motati) when things are not going their way. It is used to critique social climbing or inconsistent behavior.

This expression is used to highlight the contrast between a life of asceticism or discipline (Yoga) and a life of indulgence or pleasure (Bhoga). It suggests that the comforts and pleasures found in a luxurious lifestyle are not present in a disciplined, spiritual path, or vice versa, emphasizing that one must choose their path based on their priorities.

This is a traditional saying referring to the distinct behavioral stereotypes associated with two sub-castes of the Brahmin community in Andhra. 'Telaganya Tekku' refers to the perceived pride or vanity of the Telaganya sect, while 'Niyoga Nikku' refers to the stiffness or haughty posture (arrogance) traditionally attributed to the Niyogi sect. It is used to describe the characteristic temperaments of these groups.

This proverb is used to describe a situation or a machine that is unreliable or inconsistent. It refers to something that works perfectly when it wants to but becomes completely uncooperative or stationary when it faces a hurdle. It is often applied to old vehicles, unpredictable people, or projects that lack a steady momentum.

This proverb is used to describe tasks or hobbies that are extremely exhausting, time-consuming, or require immense struggle to master. It suggests that learning ancient scriptures (Puranas) takes half of one's life/energy, but mastering music (Sangeetam) demands one's entire life and soul.