తింటే గారెలు తినాలి, వింటే భారతం వినాలి

This proverb highlights the pursuit of excellence and the finest quality in life. It suggests that just as the thick cream (meegada) is the best part of milk to consume, the 'Begada' raga is the most sublime and pleasing melody to the ears. It is used to emphasize that one should choose only the best when it comes to experiences or consumption.

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 is a popular rhyming proverb in Telugu culture highlighting specific preferences. It suggests that among snacks, green peas (batani) are the most enjoyable to eat, and among musical scales or ragas, 'Athana' (a classical Carnatic raga known for its majestic and heroic quality) is the most delightful to hear.

A saying, describing a typical Telugu taste, suggests the best dish to eat and the best book to read.

This expression is used to describe the pinnacle of excellence in a specific category. It implies that if one wants to experience the best of something, they should choose the absolute finest. The Mahabharata is considered the greatest epic to listen to, just as Garelu (deep-fried lentil donuts) are considered the most delicious traditional snack to eat.

This expression highlights seeking the absolute best in any category. 'Begada' is considered a king of ragas in Carnatic music for its emotional depth, and 'Meegada' (cream) is the richest part of milk. It is used to suggest that if one chooses to indulge in an activity, they should go for the finest or highest quality experience possible.

This expression is used to highlight the absolute best or finest examples in a category. It suggests that just as the Mahabharata is the pinnacle of literature and storytelling, the Garelu (deep-fried lentil donuts) are the ultimate delicacy. It is often quoted when someone encounters something of exceptional quality.

This proverb highlights the gold standard of experiences. It suggests that among all stories, the epic Mahabharata is the most worthwhile to hear, and among all snacks, the Vada is the most delicious to eat. It is used to describe the best or most superior choice in a particular category.

This expression points out social hypocrisy or double standards. It suggests that the same action is judged differently based on the status or age of the person performing it. While a child eating between meals might be seen as a bad habit (snacking), an elder doing the same is given a more respectful or justified label (tiffin or sacred meal).

This proverb highlights the pursuit of the highest quality experiences. Clotted cream (Meegada) represents the richest part of the milk, while Begada is considered a profoundly pleasing and regal melody in Carnatic music. It is used to suggest that if you are going to indulge in something, you should choose the absolute best version of it.