ఊటవేసిన మడిలో నీరు

This expression is used to describe pursuing something that is non-existent, illusory, or impossible to achieve. Just as one cannot find or fetch water from a mirage (optical illusion), it refers to wasted efforts on deceptive goals.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone quietly finishes their personal work or gains a selfish advantage while everyone else is busy or distracted by a large event or chaos. It is similar to 'making hay while the sun shines' but often implies taking advantage of a busy situation to slip in one's own agenda.

This proverb describes the critical stage of a paddy crop when the grain starts forming inside the sheath (the 'pregnancy' stage of the plant). During this specific phase, the crop requires an abundance of water to ensure a good yield. It is used to highlight that certain tasks or life stages require specific, heavy investment or care at the right moment to be successful.

This expression is used to describe a situation where effort, resources, or advice are wasted on someone or something that cannot retain them. It signifies a futile or useless action where despite the input, there is no result because the vessel (recipient) is fundamentally flawed.

This expression is used to describe something that is fixed, permanent, or impossible to undo. Just as a wet knot becomes tighter and harder to untie, and turmeric applied to a cauterized wound stays fixed to the skin, this phrase refers to a decision or situation that is finalized and unchangeable.

A fruitless effort is one that does not achieve what one sets out for.

This expression is used to describe a redundant or futile effort where one provides something to someone who already possesses it in abundance. It is similar to the English idiom 'carrying coals to Newcastle'.

This expression describes a hypocrite who puts on a show of holiness or spirituality (represented by the sacred Rudraksha beads) while harboring worldly, lustful, or sinful thoughts (represented by 'madirakshulu' or beautiful women). It is used to call out someone whose external appearance and internal character are at odds.

This expression is used to describe a person who is free from all responsibilities, wanders around aimlessly without any worries, or is completely idle. Just as an ox is washed and set free to graze when it has no work, it refers to someone who is living a carefree life without any burdens.

This proverb emphasizes the virtue of patience. It draws an analogy to cattle at a pond: those that rush in first stir up the mud, while the one that waits patiently for the water to settle gets to drink clear, clean water. It is used to suggest that calm and patient people eventually receive the best results.