శంఖిణీ జాతికి పద్మినీ బుద్ధులా?

This proverb describes a person's hypocrisy or fickle nature. It refers to someone who appears very pious and moral while listening to religious discourses or moral advice, but immediately reverts to their old, bad habits once they leave the environment. It is used to criticize those who do not practice what they hear or preach.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe someone who pretends to be virtuous or loyal while their true character is quite the opposite. In traditional literature, a 'Shankini' is categorized as a type of woman with negative traits; hence, claiming she is a paragon of chastity is an oxymoron used to mock hypocrisy.

This expression suggests that inherent characteristics or basic instincts associated with one's origin, upbringing, or lineage are difficult to change. It is often used to point out that a person's fundamental behavior inevitably reflects their roots or true nature, regardless of external changes.

This proverb is used to suggest that what a person lacks in physical stature or height, they often make up for with extreme cleverness, wit, or cunningness. It implies that short people are exceptionally sharp-minded.

This expression is used to describe a person who appears physically large, strong, or imposing (like the 'Hastini' category of women in classical literature) but possesses a petty, narrow-minded, or troublesome character (associated with the 'Sankhini' category). It highlights the irony of a person's behavior not matching their outward stature or noble birth.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to suggest that women think differently or more deeply than men, often implying that they come up with clever solutions later or have a unique perspective that isn't immediately obvious. While historically sometimes used dismissively, it is also used to acknowledge a woman's intuitive or strategic thinking.

Lit. in the back of the head.

This is a popular Telugu saying used to suggest that what a person lacks in physical stature, they make up for with extreme cleverness, wit, or cunning. It is often used playfully or as a cautionary remark about not underestimating someone based on their small height.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person starts making poor decisions or loses their sense of judgment when they are facing a period of misfortune or ruin. It suggests that one's intellect or character often declines when their downfall is near.

This expression refers to someone who is extremely manipulative, clever, or deceitful. It describes a person who can twist facts so skillfully that they can make a lie appear as truth (and vice versa) to suit their needs. It is commonly used to describe crafty lawyers, cunning politicians, or smooth talkers who mislead others with their words.

Timmi is a familiar name for a she-monkey ; Brâhmî ( in the Proverb incorrectly Brahmi ) is a name of Saraswati, wife of Brahmâ. He calls evil good, and good evil. Giör vel imod en Skalk, og bed til Gud han lönner dig ikke. 25 ( 193 )

This proverb is used to describe situations where basic physical needs or instincts override social decorum or logic. 'Bukati' refers to someone obsessed with eating (gluttony), who loses their sense of reasoning for food, while 'Vekati' refers to a pregnant woman whose physical condition and cravings make her disregard social inhibitions or shyness. It is used to highlight that extreme necessity or biological drives often disregard rules of conduct.