సున్నకు సున్న, హళ్ళికి హళ్ళి

This proverb is used to describe a person's extreme opportunism or hypocrisy. It refers to someone who changes their rules or principles based on convenience—claiming a loss is worthless and only claiming ownership or 'purity' of what survives or benefits them.

This expression is used to describe a situation that results in a total loss or a state of being back at square one with nothing to show for one's efforts. It signifies a complete wash-out or a scenario where two opposing forces cancel each other out, leaving behind a void or no net gain.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers help or a solution after the problem has already been solved or after the time for action has passed. It highlights the irrelevance of a late remedy or redundant assistance.

This proverb is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone expects results without putting in the necessary hard work, or a situation that results in total failure/nothingness because the fundamental steps were skipped. It highlights that if you don't do the groundwork (plowing), you won't get a real harvest (cutting the crop).

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'One man's meat is another man's poison.' It means that what is beneficial, enjoyable, or positive for one individual might be harmful, unpleasant, or toxic for someone else. It highlights the subjective nature of value and preference.

This proverb emphasizes that no matter how powerful, wealthy, or successful a person becomes in the world, their status remains the same within the family, especially towards their mother. It is used to teach humility and to remind people that their roots and primary relationships remain unchanged by worldly achievements.

This proverb contrasts true empathy with jealousy. It implies that while a birth mother (or a true well-wisher) feels genuine sorrow for one's struggles, a stepmother (or a rival) feels envious of one's success or status. It is used to describe situations where some people are saddened by your pain while others are spiteful of your happiness.

This is an agricultural proverb (sameta) referring to the 'Hasta Karthe' (a specific solar mansion in the Hindu calendar). It suggests that crops sown during this specific time period often fail or yield poor results, meaning the investment never returns to the farmer's hand. It is used to highlight the importance of timing and seasonal wisdom.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is truly suffering or in need is ignored, while someone else makes a frivolous or exaggerated complaint to gain attention or compete. It highlights the contrast between genuine distress and fake or disproportionate grievances.

This expression refers to 'Taravani' (the water drained from cooked rice and fermented overnight), personifying it as a nourishing mother. In Telugu culture, it signifies the humble yet highly nutritious food that sustained poor or rural families, emphasizing simplicity, health, and gratitude for basic sustenance.