తేలుకు పుట్టి చలిపురుగయినట్లు.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a project, idea, or life stage is ruined or faces major obstacles right at its inception or even before it has had a chance to begin properly. It signifies early misfortune or premature failure.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is suffering or in trouble but cannot cry out for help or complain because doing so would reveal their own wrongdoing or secret. Just as a thief cannot scream when stung by a scorpion while hiding, the person must endure their pain in silence.

This phrase refers to the traditional period of ritual impurity observed by a family after a child is born. In a broader philosophical context, it is often paired with 'Chachinappudu sutakam' (ritual impurity at death) to signify that life is bookended by ceremonies and certain constraints, or to imply that every beginning has its own set of initial challenges or obligations.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone born to a powerful, aggressive, or talented person turns out to be weak, timid, or useless. It highlights a mismatch between one's lineage and their actual character or capabilities.

This proverb is rooted in traditional beliefs where having a son was considered essential for family legacy and performing last rites. It suggests that the status or merit of having had a son outweighs the sorrow of losing him, or more broadly, that even a failed or short-lived positive outcome is better than having nothing at all.

This proverb describes a situation where something cheap, ugly, or low-quality is decorated with something expensive and elegant. It is used to mock a mismatch in status or quality, often referring to an unattractive person wearing expensive jewelry or an unworthy person being given high honors.

This expression is used to describe something that has existed since the very beginning or has been a tradition since time immemorial. It signifies that a practice or an event is as old as the foundation of the place or community itself.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe someone who pretends to be exceptionally honest or truthful, implying that they are just as righteous as the legendary King Harishchandra. It is typically aimed at people who are actually being dishonest or hypocritical.

This expression is used to describe a person's behavior based on its outcome or their current mood. It suggests that a person is judged entirely by their actions at a given moment—viewed as dangerous if they cause harm, but harmless if they remain quiet. It is often used to describe unpredictable people who can be either malicious or benign depending on the situation.

This expression is used to describe someone who has intimate, first-hand, and deep knowledge of a person, family, or organization. Just as a worm residing in the navel knows everything about the body, this phrase refers to an insider who knows all the secrets and internal affairs.