తూగున్న సుంకరిని తలమూట దింపుమన్నట్లు

This expression is used to describe an unreasonable or cruel demand for money or taxes from someone who is already struggling with a heavy burden or earning a meager living. It highlights the absurdity of taxing the very basic means of survival or small manual labor.

This expression highlights the essential finishing touches or actions that bring out the best quality in something. Just as tempering (seasoning) is vital for a curry's flavor, properly rinsing and snapping a saree makes it look crisp and beautiful. It is used to signify that certain processes are indispensable for a perfect result.

This expression is used to describe someone who performs actions with excessive or unnecessary stealth, secrecy, or exaggeration for simple, everyday tasks. It mocks people who behave as if they are doing something forbidden or highly significant when they are actually doing something mundane.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone demands payment or a bribe for something that should be free, accessible, or is a basic right. It highlights unnecessary obstacles or exploitation encountered in a straightforward process.

This proverb describes a situation where one seeks help from someone who is already negligent, lazy, or looking for an excuse to avoid work. In the olden days, a 'Sunkari' (tax collector) would be looking for any reason to seize goods or cause trouble; asking a sleepy one for help would only result in them waking up to demand taxes or make things harder for you.

This proverb highlights that wealth accumulated by a miser, who refuses to spend it on themselves or for good causes, eventually ends up in the hands of the government or unintended, unworthy people after their death. It is used to suggest that hoarding wealth without enjoying it or helping others is futile.

This expression is used when someone asks for help from a person who is already in a helpless, tired, or incapacitated state. It highlights the irony of seeking assistance from someone who cannot even manage themselves at that moment.

This proverb describes a state of indecision or lack of productivity where a person is caught between two tasks and ends up doing neither properly. It is used to mock someone who pretends to be busy but accomplishes nothing, or someone who fails to commit to either work or leisure, resulting in a waste of time.

This expression describes an act of extreme greed or unreasonable demands. It refers to a situation where a person who is already struggling with a heavy burden is further troubled by someone demanding taxes or fees for that very labor. It is used when authorities or individuals impose unfair costs on basic necessities or hard-earned work.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb reflecting old social dynamics. It suggests that just as a cloth needs vigorous rinsing to be clean and a curry needs tempering (tadka) to be tasty, a daughter-in-law was traditionally thought to need 'discipline' or constant reminders (nagging) to be a good homemaker. It is often used to describe situations where someone is being unnecessarily nitpicked or controlled under the guise of improvement.