తిండికి ముందుండాలి, పనికి వెనక ఉండాలి

This proverb is used to describe people who prioritize social appearances, celebrations, or free feasts even when they are struggling with basic necessities at home. It can also imply that certain social obligations are so important that people will attend them regardless of their personal financial situation.

This proverb describes a perfect match or a pair of people who are equally suited to one another, often in a humorous or satirical way. It implies that both the husband and wife are identical in their nature, habits, or appearances, often suggesting they are 'made for each other' in their quirks.

Kuduru is the upper and larger part of a stone mortar.

This expression describes a household where the father is restless, thin, or constantly moving like a spindle (kaduru), while the mother is steady, stout, or sedentary like a pot-rest/base-ring (kuduru). It is used to remark on the contrasting physical appearances or temperaments of a husband and wife.

This is a rhyming colloquial expression traditionally used to describe a life of leisure, enjoyment, or indulgence. Historically, it refers to the Balija community's association with trade and social gatherings, implying that one should live life comfortably and enjoy the simple pleasures, like drinking a soda (goli soda) after a good meal.

Balije is a caste.

This proverb describes a situation where things are contrary to their ideal state or nature. Just as a piece of wood from an acacia tree (known for being thorny and crooked) is expected to be a heavy club, and a farmer (expected to be sturdy) looks thin like a spinning spindle, it refers to something being misshapen, ill-suited, or physically weakened.

This phrase is typically used to express a sense of urgency or priority in following someone's lead or instructions. It can also imply being proactive or staying ahead of someone in a competitive or social context. In some dialects, it may refer to the necessity of preceding someone during a ritual or formal procession.

This proverb suggests that one should be humble and discreet about their steady income or wealth (metaphorically the milk from cattle), while expressing pride and gratitude for their hard-earned achievements and successes (the harvest/crop). It emphasizes the wisdom in not flaunting daily prosperity to avoid jealousy, but celebrating general success.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely greedy and wants everything for themselves. It refers to someone who wants the big profits (pure gold), the small gains (loose change), and also wants to show off their wealth (turning the neck to display heavy jewelry). It is used to mock people who are never satisfied and try to grab every possible benefit in a situation.

This proverb advises adaptability and presence of mind based on the situation. It suggests that if things are going your way (stretching), you should make the most of it, but if a failure or slip-up is inevitable, one should accept it and fall gracefully rather than struggling fruitlessly. It is used to describe going with the flow of circumstances.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or highly selfish desire where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of something without any of the associated costs or natural consequences. In this context, it refers to wanting children to be healthy and grow (like sturdy logs) while simultaneously wishing that they never consume the food in the house. It highlights a paradoxical or stingy mindset.