తలరాతేగాని, తనరాత ఎక్కదు.

This expression is used to describe a person who talks a lot about their desires, worries, or goals but fails to take any concrete action or put in the necessary effort to achieve them. It highlights the gap between mere wishing and actual hard work.

This expression describes a dog-in-the-manger situation. It is used to criticize a person who is unable or unwilling to perform a task or utilize a resource, but out of spite or arrogance, prevents others from doing so as well.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle (See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil). It serves as a moral guideline advising people to avoid listening to gossip or negativity, refrain from witnessing bad deeds, and avoid speaking ill of others or using harsh language.

This proverb is often used to describe items or situations that require specific conditions to become functional. In a literal sense, it refers to a rough wool blanket (gongali) which is stiff when dry but becomes flexible and usable only when damp. Figuratively, it describes people who only work or cooperate under specific pressure or when their basic needs are met.

This expression is used to describe something that is insignificant, useless, or of such low value that its location or presence makes no difference. It is often applied to people or objects that have no impact on a situation regardless of where they are placed.

This expression refers to the belief in fate or karma. In Telugu culture, it is believed that Brahma writes a person's destiny on their forehead at birth. It is used to express that certain events in life are inevitable and cannot be changed despite one's best efforts.

This expression refers to destiny or fate (literally 'head-writing'). It is used to convey that what is destined to happen will happen regardless of one's efforts to avoid it, often used during times of unavoidable misfortune or significant life events.

This proverb signifies that certain actions or words gain value, legitimacy, or recognition only when they come from an authoritative source or a person of high stature. It is often used to describe situations where a valid point is ignored until an important person validates it.

This proverb describes a hypocritical or contradictory behavior where someone pretends to follow a tradition or rule while simultaneously breaking it. In Telugu culture, asking 'Where are you going?' right as someone departs is considered a bad omen (shakunam). This saying mocks people who acknowledge the taboo but proceed to ask the question anyway out of curiosity.

This expression is used to describe an extreme state of corruption where nothing moves or functions without a bribe. It satirically suggests that even a basic or inanimate object requires a payoff to perform its duty.