వాతాపి జీర్ణం వాతాపి జీర్ణం

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is given something valuable or sophisticated that they are incapable of appreciating or utilizing. Just as a deaf person cannot appreciate the beauty or social status of fine jewelry because they cannot engage in the auditory world, giving high-quality things to those without the capacity to understand them is a waste. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'

This proverb refers to a condition where one feels frequent or excessive hunger despite having indigestion or a stomach upset. Metaphorically, it is used to describe a situation where someone who is incapable or lacking in substance makes excessive demands or shows greedy desire for more than they can handle.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of systematic hard work and proper agricultural practices. It suggests that if one treats the land with care and follows a disciplined routine, the soil will reward them with a harvest as precious as diamonds. It is used to highlight that success comes to those who are diligent and organized in their efforts.

This expression (often derived from Sanskrit slokas and used in Telugu discourse) emphasizes the impermanence of the physical body and material riches. It is used to remind people to focus on virtuous deeds, spiritual growth, or legacy rather than vanity and greed, as life is fleeting.

In mythology, it refers to the indestructible weapon of Lord Indra. In common usage, it signifies an extremely powerful, invincible, or ultimate solution/tool used to overcome a major obstacle.

This expression is equivalent to the English proverb 'Diamond cuts diamond.' It is used to describe a situation where a strong or cunning person can only be countered or defeated by someone of equal strength, skill, or intellect. It also suggests that certain complex problems require equally sophisticated solutions.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an excessive, overwhelming force or a highly sophisticated tool is used to deal with a very small, trivial, or insignificant problem. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'To use a sledgehammer to crack a nut'.

Vajra or Vajrâyudha is the mythological thunderbolt of Indra.

This expression is used to signify divine protection or a strong safeguard. It is commonly used as a blessing for someone's safety, or to describe something that is perfectly secure and beyond harm. It can also be used as a closing statement to wish for ultimate well-being.

Said in cases of absolute want, &c.

This Telugu proverb emphasizes the critical importance of timing in agriculture and life. 'Vaniketa pattu' refers to the specific, opportune window for sowing seeds. It suggests that doing the right work at the exact right moment leads to extraordinary success or 'diamond-like' results.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an exceptionally virtuous, talented, or noble person is born to parents of bad character or low merit. It highlights a rare and positive exception in lineage, much like finding a precious gem in an unlikely or unworthy source.