దేవుడు వరమిచ్చినా పూజారి వరమివ్వడు

This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words. Once water enters a tilled field (madi), it is absorbed and stays; similarly, once an accusation or a commitment is made publicly, it cannot be easily taken back or erased. It is used to advise caution in speech because reputations are hard to mend once a 'word' is cast upon someone.

This proverb is used to describe a complete lack of communication or a situation where two people are talking about entirely different things. It refers to a person who misunderstands what is being said due to a lack of attention or hearing, responding with something totally irrelevant. It is used in situations where there is no sync between a question and an answer.

The jingle of the Telugu words is similar to that of the English equivalents.

This expression describes a situation where two people are talking at cross-purposes or failing to communicate effectively due to a misunderstanding or a lack of attention. It is used when one person's words are completely misinterpreted by another, leading to a nonsensical or irrelevant response, much like a deaf person mishearing a word and replying with something that sounds similar but has a different meaning.

This proverb suggests that people often use pretenses to protect their interests. A wealthy person might fake a cough or illness to avoid fulfilling a social obligation or giving money, just as a fake ascetic might wear saffron robes (kaashaayam) to deceive others. It is used to describe deceptive behavior used to hide the truth or avoid responsibility.

This proverb describes a streak of extreme misfortune where everything goes wrong. It suggests that when one's luck is down, even the most improbable or absurd accidents occur, leading to further loss. It is used to express that during a period of bad luck, one might lose even the most basic possessions in unexpected ways.

This expression is used to describe a string of bad luck or an unfortunate period where everything goes wrong. It implies that when one is facing a 'bad time' (Kani Kalam), even the most unexpected or bizarre misfortunes—like a bird snatching the clothes off your back—can happen, leaving you helpless.

This expression is used to describe how a person with extreme persistence or irrational stubbornness can be more difficult to deal with than even someone in power. It suggests that while a king might follow rules or reason, a stubborn person (mondivadu) will not back down for anything, making them effectively 'stronger' in a conflict.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person's entire income or earnings are completely consumed by small, everyday expenses or personal luxuries, leaving no room for savings or significant investments. It highlights a hand-to-mouth existence where expenses always rise to meet the level of income.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is sent to find or bring back another person who is already missing or delayed, and eventually, both individuals fail to return. It highlights a double loss or a chain reaction of disappearances and inefficiency.

This proverb is used to express that when one's luck is bad or when divine fate is against them, troubles and misfortunes come in quick succession from all directions. It is often used to lament a series of unexpected hardships or to suggest that one cannot escape destiny when it turns unfavorable.