తాళము నీవద్ద, చెవి నావద్ద.

This expression is used to describe a hypocrite who preaches high moral values and ethics to others but performs harmful or malicious actions in practice. It highlights the disparity between someone's virtuous words and their deceitful deeds.

This proverb is used to describe people who are looking for any excuse to avoid work. To a lazy person, someone who stops them from working or tells them not to do a task feels like a benefactor or a guardian, as it aligns with their desire to remain idle.

This proverb warns against underestimating potential dangers based on size or appearance. Just as even a small cobra possesses deadly venom, an opponent or enemy, regardless of how weak or diminished they may seem, can still cause significant harm. It is used to advise caution and vigilance.

This proverb highlights the futility of certain actions in specific circumstances. It suggests that a truly generous person will give without requiring formal documentation or legal proof, and similarly, no amount of medicine can save someone whose death is certain. It is used to describe situations where rules or remedies become irrelevant due to the inherent nature of the person or the inevitability of the outcome.

This expression describes a situation where something is available in abundance but is often in a state of disorder or not put to proper use for oneself. It refers to a person who has plenty of resources related to their profession but lacks the finished product for their own personal use, or more generally, someone who possesses resources but cannot manage them effectively.

This proverb highlights situations of extreme irritability and danger. A dog that has vomited is often sick and unpredictable, while a dog with newborns is fiercely protective and aggressive. It teaches that one should not put anyone—even a foe—into a situation where certain harm or irrational fury is expected.

This proverb highlights the transient nature of power and social status. It suggests that authority and leadership are only relevant while a person is alive and present in society; once deceased, their worldly influence vanishes and they belong only to the graveyard.

Something is better than nothing. It is used to suggest that having a small or humble possession/alternative is preferable to having nothing at all, similar to the English proverb 'Half a loaf is better than no bread.'

Half a loaf is better than no bread.

This proverb warns about potential dangers or troubles. Standing near a buffalo's calf is dangerous because the mother buffalo may attack to protect it. Similarly, being near an old creditor is risky as they will inevitably demand their money back, causing social embarrassment or financial pressure. It advises staying away from situations that trigger trouble.

In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.