ఉన్నవి ఉలవవిత్తులైతే, వచ్చేవి పలవవిత్తులు

This expression is used to describe a hypocrite who preaches high moral values and ethics to others but performs harmful or malicious actions in practice. It highlights the disparity between someone's virtuous words and their deceitful deeds.

This proverb describes a relationship that is exceptionally strong, unbreakable, and enduring, much like a solid stone. In a cultural context, it refers to the deep-rooted and permanent nature of certain familial or social bonds that cannot be easily severed.

This proverb is used to suggest that the inherent nature or quality of a person or object cannot be changed through external efforts. It implies that someone of low character or a low-quality item cannot suddenly transform into something of high value or nobility, similar to the English expression 'You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.'

This expression suggests that fluency and skill come with practice. Just as hair falls away effortlessly during the act of shaving, ideas and words flow more freely once you actually start the process of speaking or working. It is often used to encourage someone to start a task rather than overthinking it.

This expression describes a situation where a small investment, effort, or start yields an unexpectedly large or abundant result. It is used to highlight high productivity, success from humble beginnings, or the multiplying effect of good work.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is inherently flawed or whose every action/word is troublesome. Just as one cannot expect a dog to have perfectly aligned human-like teeth, one shouldn't expect quality, honesty, or refinement from someone who lacks character or capability. It implies that everything stemming from a bad source will be bad.

Said of a man who spoils every thing he meddles with.

Something is better than nothing. It is used to suggest that having a small or humble possession/alternative is preferable to having nothing at all, similar to the English proverb 'Half a loaf is better than no bread.'

Half a loaf is better than no bread.

This proverb suggests that harsh or rude people deserve equally tough or unpleasant treatment. Just as horse gram is considered a hard, inferior grain compared to others, a person with a foul mouth should be met with responses or consequences that match their behavior.

This expression highlights the principle of exponential growth and abundance. It is used to describe how a small initial effort, investment, or act of kindness can yield results many times greater than the original input.

This proverb describes a highly deceptive, hypocritical, or manipulative person who says one thing while doing something entirely different. It refers to someone who enjoys the best for themselves (chickpeas) but misleads others about what they are consuming and ultimately gives others something worthless or harmful (cotton seeds). It is used to caution against individuals who are untrustworthy and thrive on blatant lies and exploitation.

Senagalu is the Cicer Arietinum; Ulavalau is the Dolichos Uniflorus. A man of crooked ways.