శయనే కాదని తెలిపిన వాడే శాస్త్రకారుడు

This proverb defines true skill and bravery by their toughest standards. In Telugu literature, the 'Kanda' meter is considered the most difficult to master; hence, only one who excels at it is a true poet. Similarly, hunting a wild boar was considered the ultimate test of a soldier's courage. It is used to suggest that expertise is proven only through the mastery of the most difficult tasks in a field.

This proverb is used to point out the futility of sharing profound knowledge, wisdom, or sophisticated ideas with someone who lacks the basic intelligence or common sense to appreciate them. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'

This expression emphasizes that practical experience is the truest form of knowledge, more reliable than any book. It suggests that if one has wisdom through experience, their words gain the power and influence of sacred chants (mantras). It is used to highlight the importance of practical wisdom over theoretical learning.

This expression is used to question whether someone's skills, status, or behavior are natural and inherent (by birth) or artificial and acquired through external effort or pretense (put on). It highlights the difference between genuine character and a facade.

This expression is used to criticize someone who talks excessively or boastfully without any real knowledge or authority. Just because someone speaks loudly or constantly (like a drunkard) doesn't mean their words have the depth or validity of an expert or a scholar.

This expression is used to sarcastically or humorously describe a person who claims to have great talents or titles but never actually produces any work or shows any results. It refers to someone who is a professional or expert 'in name only' without any practical application of their skills.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone strictly follows rules, procedures, or rituals with malicious or wrong intentions, leading to disastrous and unexpected consequences. It highlights that doing something technically 'by the book' (shastra) doesn't justify a negative motive and won't prevent a bad outcome.

This expression is used to describe a person who claims to be an expert or a scholar based on very basic or common knowledge. Shayana Ekadashi is a well-known festival in Hindu culture; knowing about it doesn't necessarily make someone a 'Shastrakara' (a master of scriptures). It is often used sarcastically to mock people who boast about superficial knowledge as if it were profound wisdom.

This proverb is used to describe things that are perceived as being excessive or never-ending. Velamas were historically known for their grand, sometimes extravagant generosity, while the Satani community was known for lengthy, intricate religious or philosophical debates. It implies that once these actions start, they go on to an extreme degree.

This expression is used to describe a person who is highly knowledgeable, talented, or qualified for a task but remains idle or refuses to perform the work. It originates from the poet 'Hulakki Bhaskara' who was part of the Ramayana translation; specifically, it refers to one who possesses the skill of a great poet (like Bhaskara) but does not put it into practice.