ఉండేది ఒక పిల్ల, ఊరంతా మేనరికం.

This proverb highlights the loss of self-respect and the social stigma traditionally associated with 'Illarikam' (the practice of a son-in-law living in his wife's parents' house). It suggests that even performing menial labor is more dignified than living on the mercy of in-laws, where one might be treated like a servant or face constant ridicule.

This proverb is used to describe someone who smiles or talks excessively to hide their financial troubles, or someone who maintains an outward appearance of cheerfulness despite being heavily indebted to many people in the community.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is eccentric or stubborn, always choosing to go against the consensus or common path. It highlights non-conformity, often in a negative or frustrating sense, where one person acts contrary to everyone else in a group.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a minor or superficial loss occurs, but the essential, powerful, or valuable part remains intact. It suggests that one shouldn't worry about losing a decorative or protective cover (like a scabbard) as long as the functional weapon (the sword) is still available. It is often used to motivate someone after a small setback, emphasizing that their core strength is still with them.

This proverb highlights that certain roles require constant movement and lack a permanent attachment to one place. An employee must travel or relocate wherever their job demands, and a beggar must move from house to house to survive. It is used to describe situations where a person cannot stay in one fixed location due to the nature of their work or life circumstances.

This proverb is used to express dissatisfaction or indifference towards something that is easily available or lacks excitement. In traditional Telugu culture, marrying a maternal aunt's son was common and expected, leading to a sense of familiarity that lacked the thrill of a new alliance. Similarly, 'undrallu' are simple steamed rice balls, considered plain compared to elaborate sweets. It describes a situation where familiarity breeds a lack of value.

This proverb describes a person who is eccentric, stubborn, or non-conformist. It is used to point out someone who deliberately goes against the majority or refuses to follow common sense and social norms, often acting in a peculiar or contrary manner.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is searching frantically for something that they already possess or that is right with them. It highlights human absent-mindedness or the irony of looking far and wide for a solution that is close at hand.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is searching for something that they already possess or is right in front of them. It highlights absent-mindedness or overlooking the obvious.

This proverb highlights the loss of self-respect often experienced by a man who moves into his wife's parental home (Illarikam). It suggests that living in poverty or isolation (Mularikam) while maintaining one's dignity is far superior to the dependency and potential humiliation faced when living under the roof of in-laws.