ఊరి మీద నూరు పడ్డా, కరణము మీద కాసు పడదు

This expression describes something that is extremely unstable or short-lived. Just as a small, round green gram seed cannot stay still on a smooth, slippery surface like a mirror and slides off immediately, this phrase is used to refer to people who don't stick to their word, or situations that are highly precarious and transient.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an unexpected, massive responsibility or a heavy burden suddenly falls upon someone without any prior warning or effort of their own. It is often used when an unavoidable problem or a huge task is thrust upon a person.

An unexpected calamity.

This expression describes someone who claims to be an expert in everything but lacks true focus or mastery in a specific trade. It refers to a person who tries to perform multiple roles (like a village head or accountant—Karanum) such as supervising livestock, managing communications, and bookkeeping, often used to mock someone who meddles in every task without doing any properly.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a weak or vulnerable person is always the one at a disadvantage when dealing with someone powerful or harmful, regardless of who initiated the interaction. It suggests that in certain lopsided conflicts, the outcome is inevitably damaging for the fragile party.

This proverb refers to a situation where someone has a high reputation or social status (palanquin), but their actual living conditions or current situation remain humble or poor (foot on the ground). It is used to describe people who possess a famous name but lack the wealth or facilities to match that status.

This proverb highlights the extreme selfishness or stinginess of a person in power. A 'Karanam' was a village accountant/official; the saying implies that no matter how much disaster or collective burden falls upon society, certain greedy or clever individuals will ensure they don't lose a single cent of their own wealth or take any responsibility.

This expression is used to describe someone who overreacts or creates a huge fuss over a very trivial, insignificant issue. It highlights the behavior of being overly sensitive or dramatic about minor inconveniences.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone adds insult to injury or makes a painful situation even worse with their actions or words. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'rubbing salt in the wound'.

This proverb describes a situation where an influential person or authority figure remains unaffected by the troubles or financial burdens that plague the community they oversee. It is used to highlight systemic corruption or the cleverness of bureaucrats who ensure their own safety and wealth while others suffer losses.

This phrase refers to someone who creates a lot of noise or makes loud announcements but possesses no real power or authority. It is used to describe a person who is all talk and no action, or someone who holds a superficial position without the actual ability to influence outcomes.