ఉంటే అమీరు, లేకుంటే పకీరు

This expression describes an 'all or nothing' situation or an extreme risk-taker. It refers to a person or a pursuit that will either lead to great wealth and success (Amir) or result in total ruin and poverty (Fakir), with no middle ground.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there are only two possible outcomes, both of which are acceptable or equally significant. It is often used to signify that no matter what happens among the expected options, the result is certain and fine. It can also be used to shut down unnecessary speculation about a result that will eventually reveal itself.

This proverb describes an unstable or extreme financial situation. 'Ugadi' represents a feast and celebration (plenty), while 'Shivaratri' represents fasting and staying awake (poverty/hunger). It is used to describe someone who either lives in luxury when they have money or starves when they don't, lacking a middle ground or consistent lifestyle.

This proverb highlights the struggle of the working class and the necessity of labor for survival. 'The pot burns' refers to cooking food on a stove, while 'the stomach burns' refers to the pain of hunger. It is used to emphasize that one must work every day to avoid starvation.

This expression refers to things that are valuable only as long as they are functional or maintained. It is often used to describe the fragility of human life or temporary possessions, implying that once the essence or life is gone, only a useless shell remains.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and social interaction. It suggests that if you do not speak or express yourself properly, you will not find a place for yourself in society or in a specific situation. It is often used to encourage people to speak up or to highlight that social status and inclusion are built through speech and reputation.

This proverb describes someone with an extreme, 'all or nothing' lifestyle or fate. It highlights how a person is perceived based on their current circumstances: living in luxury when wealthy, living as a destitute wanderer when poor, and being venerated only after death.

This expression is used to describe an 'all or nothing' situation or a person with extreme, inconsistent behavior. It refers to someone who either stays completely put in one place (Atukuru) or wanders off far away (Datukuru), lacking a middle ground or moderation.

This proverb highlights how social status and titles change based on one's wealth and circumstances. It reflects the transient nature of respect, where a person is called a lord (Nawab/Ameer) when wealthy, a beggar (Fakeer) when poor, and a saint (Peer/Veeru) only after death. It is used to comment on the superficiality of worldly status.

This proverb highlights the critical importance of rainfall for agriculture. It signifies that timely rains lead to prosperity and food security (crops), whereas a lack of rain leads to drought, starvation, and economic devastation (metaphorically referred to as fires/suffering).