ఉండి ఇయ్యని లోభి, రండ కొంపలో శ్రాద్ధమైతేనేమి, శుభమైతేనేమి?

Quality is better than quantity. A small amount of something virtuous or valuable is far superior to a large amount of something useless or inferior. This proverb, from Yogi Vemana's poems, is used to emphasize that one good person or one great idea is more impactful than a crowd of mediocre ones.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is an equal mix of positive and negative outcomes. It highlights the dual nature of life or a specific event where success and failure, or joy and sorrow, occur simultaneously in equal measure.

This proverb is used to mock someone who pretends to be virtuous or meticulous while their actions or surroundings are clearly flawed. It describes a situation where a person claims to be 'pure' (chokkam) while relying on a flimsy 'bamboo screen' (tadaka) for protection or privacy, highlighting hypocrisy or a false sense of security.

This expression emphasizes that quality of character is more important than longevity. If a person brings disgrace or ruin to their family line, their presence is considered worthless to the lineage, regardless of how long they live.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one has reached a point of complete loss or hopelessness, such that further misfortunes no longer matter. It reflects a state of indifference toward consequences when the primary goal or asset is already gone.

This proverb is used to indicate that if something is fundamentally useless or non-functional, its appearance, size, or secondary attributes are irrelevant. It suggests that when the core purpose of an object or a person's skill is missing, worrying about aesthetic details or minor variations is a waste of time.

This proverb highlights the importance of social status or convenience in one's place of residence. Having authority gives power and respect, while owning land near the village limits (close to home) ensures agricultural convenience and prosperity. It is used to suggest that for a comfortable and influential life, one needs either administrative power or valuable, accessible resources.

This expression is used to signify that the specific location or minor details of a process do not matter as long as the ultimate benefit or result belongs to us. It emphasizes focusing on the final outcome and ownership rather than the procedural formalities or place of occurrence.

This proverb highlights the importance of social status and economic convenience. It suggests that to live comfortably and successfully in a community, one should either possess political/social power (authority) or own fertile land close to the village (utility/wealth) to ensure easy management and prosperity.

This expression is used to describe a person who outwardly acts like a devotee or a well-wisher but harbors evil intentions or plans harm in private. It originates from the Ramayana, where the demon Kalanemi disguised himself as a sage chanting God's name to deceive and kill Hanuman.