ఊళ్ళోవాళ్ళకు పనిచేసి ఒళ్ళంతా దుమ్ము చేసుకొన్నట్లు

This proverb describes a situation where someone performs a grand, virtuous, or public act, but in the process, accidentally exposes their own hidden flaws, wrongdoings, or secrets. It is used when a person's attempt to gain fame or merit backfires by bringing their scandals to light.

This expression describes using a totally inappropriate or excessively forceful method to solve a minor problem. Just as using a heavy pestle to dust fragile pots would result in breaking them rather than cleaning them, it refers to actions that cause more damage than good due to lack of tact or proportion.

The Vempali (Wild Indigo) is a small, weak-stemmed shrub that cannot support any weight. This expression is used to describe a futile effort or an impossible task where someone tries to rely on something that lacks the necessary strength or foundation. It signifies misplaced effort or depending on an unreliable source.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who is already biased against a person or a task will find petty, non-existent, or irrelevant excuses to criticize them. It is used when someone's dissatisfaction stems from personal prejudice rather than a genuine fault in the work or the situation.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to explain marriage alliances and exogamy. It signifies that one can marry a girl who doesn't fall into the category of a 'sister' (like a paternal uncle's daughter or maternal aunt's daughter) or 'mother' (certain maternal clan relations) according to cultural lineage rules. It emphasizes following social and biological protocols in matrimonial matches.

This sarcastic expression is used when someone acts selfishly or unjustly at the expense of others. It implies that a life built on the suffering or curses of others is a dubious blessing, often used to mock someone who is gaining wealth or power by harming their community.

This expression refers to someone who is resourceful and makes a living or gains benefits through their cleverness, skill, or tactful maneuvering rather than just hard labor. It describes the art of managing situations to one's advantage.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It implies that individuals are solely responsible for the consequences of their actions, whether good or bad. It is often used to suggest that one's current situation is a direct result of their past efforts or deeds.

This proverb describes a person who neglects or mistreats their loyal family members and friends while seeking favors or trying to please strangers and outsiders who do not truly care for them. It is used to criticize someone's poor judgment in prioritizing relationships.

This expression refers to performing a useless or futile task that yields no results despite putting in a lot of hard work. Just as pounding husks/chaff produces no grain, it describes actions that are a complete waste of time and effort.