తా చెడ్డ కోతి వనమెల్ల చెరచిందట

This expression emphasizes the value of self-reliance and the satisfaction derived from one's own honest labor. It suggests that a small amount earned or produced through one's own effort is more gratifying and honorable than a large amount obtained through other means or dependency.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a good thing becomes useless or ruined due to its association with a bad environment or flawed foundation. Just as pure water becomes undrinkable when it flows onto salty/barren land, a person's good qualities or a project's potential can be wasted if the surrounding circumstances are inherently defective.

This expression is used to describe how a person without discipline or control can cause widespread damage or chaos to an entire organization or community. It draws from the Ramayana, referring to the potential havoc an unchecked force can wreak.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a single person, often someone who was initially trusted or sheltered, ends up causing widespread destruction or chaos to an entire group or organization. It is derived from the Ramayana, referring to Hanuman (the monkey) who, after being captured, set the entire city of Lanka on fire.

This proverb suggests that while a snake's bite is a direct physical harm, the panic or loud screaming that follows can cause even more damage or ruin the situation. It is used to advise someone to stay calm during a crisis, as overreacting or creating a commotion can be more counterproductive than the problem itself.

This proverb emphasizes that hard work leads to fruitful results, while laziness or procrastination leads to waste and decay. It is used to motivate someone to put in effort to reap rewards rather than letting opportunities rot away.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has already lost their reputation or is in a completely compromised position, and then tries to hide or be modest about minor things. It suggests that when the worst has already happened or been exposed, trivial attempts to maintain dignity or secrecy are hypocritical or pointless.

This proverb highlights the consequences of speaking without thinking or having a 'loose tongue'. It is used to describe a situation where a person brings trouble or ruin upon themselves because of their own indiscreet, boastful, or offensive speech, rather than being harmed by external enemies.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's own impulsive, rude, or thoughtless speech leads to their downfall or causes them trouble. It emphasizes that one's words can be their own worst enemy.

This proverb describes a situation where one wastes valuable resources on a hopeless or unproductive cause. Just as sowing good seeds in a barren or bad field results in a loss of both the seeds and the effort, this expression is used when someone invests time, money, or energy into something that yields no results.

Pongali is a preparation of rice offered to the fields after the harvest. In this case the crop had failed and the offering had to be made from the old store. It was therefore a needless ceremony.