తులసి వనంలో గంజాయి మొక్క మొలిచినట్లు

This expression refers to someone judging others or the world based on their own limited perspective, small-mindedness, or personal biases. It is used when someone assumes their narrow standards apply to everyone else.

This expression refers to something precious, beautiful, or talented appearing in an unlikely, poor, or unfavorable environment. It is used to describe a brilliant person born into a poor family or a virtuous person found in a bad neighborhood.

This expression is used to highlight hypocrisy or the selective application of social norms. It points out that for people addicted to vices or those who are deeply immoral, traditional rules of cleanliness, sanctity, or social taboos are often conveniently ignored or considered inapplicable.

This expression is used to describe something beautiful, noble, or extraordinary emerging from a harsh, poor, or unfavorable environment. Just as a lotus is unlikely to grow in a hot charcoal stove, it refers to a person of great merit or a positive outcome arising from unexpected and difficult circumstances.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has endured extreme hardships or intense struggles early in life. It implies that someone who has survived 'fire' (severe adversity) will not be bothered or defeated by minor difficulties or 'sunlight' (smaller challenges). It highlights resilience and toughness.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It implies that every action has a corresponding consequence and that one cannot expect good results from bad actions or vice-versa. It is used to remind someone that their current situation is a direct result of their past deeds or character.

A chip of the old block. He that was born of a hen loves to be scratching. (French.)† * Après la fête on gratte la tête. † Qui naît de geline il aime à grater.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where things happen perfectly according to one's wishes or needs without much effort. It signifies a stroke of good luck or a favorable coincidence where the environment provides exactly what is required at that moment.

This proverb means that the quality or nature of the outcome is directly determined by its origin or source. It is used to describe how children often inherit the traits of their parents, or how the quality of a product depends on the quality of the raw materials used.

This expression is used to describe a good, virtuous, or noble person who is found in a group of wicked or bad people. It highlights the contrast between someone's purity and their undesirable surroundings, suggesting that the person stands out due to their superior character despite the negative environment.

This expression refers to a small action that causes a disproportionately large amount of damage or chaos. A grey nicker bean (gachakaya) has a hard shell that explodes with a loud bang when heated; if thrown into a potter's kiln, it can cause all the delicate earthenware inside to crack or shatter. It is used to describe a person who enters a peaceful situation and creates total ruin with a single word or deed.