తాడి చెట్టు ఎక్కి గడ్డపార మింగినట్లు

This proverb is used to describe a hypocrite who pretends to be innocent, shy, or ascetic in public (a 'Nanganachi') but acts greedily when given the chance. It highlights the contrast between a person's fake outward humility and their inner greed.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of obedience and common sense. Just as it is physically impossible and harmful to swallow a crowbar, it is considered morally wrong or detrimental to ignore the wise counsel of a teacher or mentor. It suggests that following a guru's guidance is essential for a smooth life, while attempting the impossible or the forbidden leads to ruin.

This expression is used when a person of good character or noble nature is forced to endure insults, harsh words, or an unpleasant situation. It highlights the contrast between the person's inherent goodness and the bitterness they are currently experiencing.

This proverb is used to describe a situation or a person that starts off looking very small, harmless, or insignificant but eventually grows into a massive problem or a heavy burden. It is often applied to small favors that turn into huge demands, or minor ailments that escalate into major health issues.

This expression is used to describe something that appears intact on the outside but is completely hollow or empty on the inside. It originates from the folk belief that when an elephant swallows a wood apple, the fruit remains whole through the digestive process, but the pulp inside disappears mysteriously. It is often used to refer to sudden losses, empty promises, or wealth that vanishes without a trace.

This expression describes a situation where someone endures extreme pain, hardship, or self-destruction just to save face or uphold their pride/dignity. It is used when a person's ego or reputation forces them to accept a harmful situation without complaining.

This proverb emphasizes that quantity cannot replace quality or strength. Small things, even in large numbers, cannot perform a heavy-duty task that requires a single powerful tool. It is used to suggest that minor efforts or small-scale resources cannot match the impact of a significant, singular strength or resource.

This expression is used to describe someone who commits a massive blunder or a serious crime and then tries to fix it or hide it with a trivial, ineffective remedy. It highlights the absurdity of thinking a small act can offset a major wrongdoing or a huge physical impossibility.

This expression refers to a situation where something appears whole on the outside but is actually empty or hollow on the inside. It is based on the folk belief that when an elephant swallows a wood apple (Velaga Pandu), the fruit remains intact visually, but the pulp inside is mysteriously consumed or evaporated by the time it is excreted. It is used to describe empty promises, hollow assets, or things that have lost their essence while maintaining their form.

It is swallowed whole, and is said to be found afterwards empty though unbroken. Said of a person in an influential position who does not benefit others.

This proverb describes someone who commits a major crime or performs an incredibly difficult/sinful act and then performs a minor, trivial ritual to 'purify' themselves or aid digestion. It highlights the absurdity of trying to fix a massive, self-inflicted problem with a tiny, ineffective remedy.