తెల్లగా ఉంటే పాలు, నల్లగా ఉంటే నీళ్లు

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two parties, who might usually be at odds or in a position of conflict, choose to stay quiet and maintain secrecy because both have their own weaknesses or are in vulnerable states. It implies that mutual vulnerability leads to a temporary, tactical silence to avoid further embarrassment or trouble.

This proverb describes fair-weather friends or opportunistic people. It suggests that as long as someone has wealth, power, or 'warmth' (resources), people will flock to them to benefit. However, once those resources are gone or the situation turns 'cold' (difficult), those same people will abandon them immediately.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe something that was bound to fail or break from the very beginning. It highlights that instead of being upset when a flawed situation finally collapses, one should be surprised it lasted as long as it did. In the context of a wedding, Nagavalli is one of the final ceremonies, so the phrase implies that something destined for ruin early on miraculously survived until the end.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is beyond help, or when a loss is so absolute that minor details and formalities no longer matter. It suggests that once a core purpose or life is gone, worrying about trivial arrangements or insignificant consequences is futile.

Health is the primary foundation for any achievement. Just as you need a physical wall to paint a mural, you need a healthy body and life to pursue goals and enjoy success. It is used to emphasize that one's health and existence are the prerequisites for everything else.

This proverb describes the toxic nature of extreme envy. It refers to people who are so jealous of others' success or prosperity (being 'green') that they self-destruct or extinguish their own progress and happiness (extinguishing their own cooking fire) out of spite or misery.

An envious act. To lose one eye that you may deprive another of two. (Spanish.)!

This proverb highlights the essential elements required for sustenance and prosperity. Just as water is the lifeblood of a village for survival and agriculture, a woman's presence and care are considered the vital foundation that turns a mere house into a nurturing home.

This proverb highlights the critical importance of rainfall for agriculture. It signifies that timely rains lead to prosperity and food security (crops), whereas a lack of rain leads to drought, starvation, and economic devastation (metaphorically referred to as fires/suffering).

This proverb emphasizes the importance of generosity and abundance. It suggests that one should have a large heart (represented by a large plate for eating) and a productive workspace (represented by the threshing floor). It is used to encourage someone to be more liberal, resourceful, or to aim for prosperity and sharing rather than being stingy.

This proverb highlights natural consequences. Just as water naturally flows and settles in low-lying areas (slopes), guilt or fear naturally follows a person who has committed a wrong act. It is used to describe how a guilty conscience is always fearful of being caught or punished.