సున్నము పుట్టని ఊళ్ళో అన్నము పుట్టునా?

This proverb is used to express that good or noble qualities cannot be expected from someone or something that is inherently inferior or bad. Just as a fragrant, divine flower like Parijata cannot grow on a toxic, milky weed like Jilledu (Calotropis), one cannot expect greatness from a base origin or nature.

Pārijāta is the Nyctanthes Arbor Tristis, a very celebrated tree said to grow in Svarga, Indra's paradise (W. Elliot). Jillēḍu is the Calotropes Gigantea.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'Every effect has a cause' or 'Nothing happens without a reason.' It is used to explain that every action, event, or result is preceded by a specific motive or trigger. In a practical sense, it suggests that if something has occurred, there must be a logical explanation behind it.

There is a cause for all things. (Italian.)*

This proverb is used to emphasize that one's nature, quality, or lineage is determined by their origins. It suggests that greatness cannot come from a low source, or more commonly, that a person will inherit the traits of their parents or environment. It is often used to question how something inferior or vastly different could come from a specific source.

This proverb is used to describe an irreversible situation or a wasted effort. Just as lime (chuna) applied to a wall cannot be reclaimed for consumption in a 'paan' (videnmu), money spent on useless things or help given to ungrateful people cannot be recovered or put to better use later.

This proverb emphasizes the virtue of gratitude and loyalty. It suggests that it is a great sin or an act of extreme betrayal to harm or cheat someone who has helped or supported you during your time of need.

Kannam is a hole made by burglars in the wall of a house.

This proverb highlights the importance of basic resources and prerequisites. If a village lacks essential raw materials or the base for prosperity (like oil or ghee), it is unlikely to provide a full, comfortable meal or a livelihood. It is used to describe situations where one cannot expect a significant outcome when the fundamental necessities are missing.

This proverb highlights the historical and cultural importance of lime (chunam) in rural India, where it was traditionally consumed with betel leaves after a meal. It implies that if a village is so impoverished or lacks basic amenities that even simple lime (for betel nut) is unavailable, it is unlikely that one can find a proper meal there. It is used to describe a place of extreme scarcity or poverty.

This proverb is used to imply that noble qualities or greatness cannot emerge from a mean or cowardly origin. It suggests that a person's inherent nature is determined by their lineage or character, and one cannot expect extraordinary results from something or someone that is fundamentally inferior.

This proverb is used to express that children inherit the traits and character of their parents. It is often used rhetorically to say that someone of a gentle or timid nature cannot produce someone who is aggressive or brave, or more commonly, that greatness or specific qualities cannot emerge from a lineage that lacks them.

This proverb is used to suggest that noble qualities or valuable results cannot be expected from someone who lacks character or from a source that is inherently mediocre. It emphasizes that greatness (pearls) comes from a specific noble source (oysters), not from common ones (snails).