వత్తి చేయాలంటే, ప్రత్తి కావాలి

This proverb is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the virtues, qualities, or features of someone or something only after they are gone or no longer available. It refers to the human tendency to overstate the importance of a lost opportunity or a deceased person.

This proverb highlights that no matter how powerful, talented, or destructive a person or thing may be, they generally do not cause harm to their own support system, family, or source of existence. It is used to describe loyalty to one's roots or the natural instinct to protect what sustains you.

This proverb is used sarcastically to describe someone who expects to be pampered and fed without doing any work. In traditional Telugu culture, a son-in-law is treated with extreme hospitality and never asked to work, while a 'Basavanna' (sacred bull) is fed and revered without labor. It is used to mock lazy individuals who overstay their welcome and expect royal treatment.

This expression suggests that in life, to survive or succeed, one must possess either the strength and courage (Dheerudu) to face challenges head-on or the humility and submissiveness (Deenudu) to seek help and stay protected. It implies that being stuck in the middle with an ego but no strength is a recipe for failure. It is often used to advise someone on the attitude they should adopt depending on their circumstances.

This expression refers to a situation where a result can only be achieved through two specific means: either by treating the root cause (medicine) or by applying external pressure/motivation (a push). It is often used when someone is being stubborn or a task is stalled, suggesting that either a logical solution or a forceful nudge is required to get things moving.

This expression is used to describe hypocritical behavior where a person engages in a major vice or immoral act while being overly concerned about minor rules, rituals, or outward appearances of sanctity. It highlights the irony of someone lacking core character but demanding superficial respect or purity.

This proverb is often used to emphasize the importance and merit of conducting a marriage. It suggests that since marriage is a sacred and life-uniting event, minor compromises or exaggerations (white lies) used to bring two families together or overcome trivial hurdles are socially acceptable for the greater good of the union.

This expression emphasizes that in life, one should either possess great courage and strength (Dheera) to face challenges independently or have the humility (Deena) to surrender and seek help or divine grace. It suggests that being in an indecisive middle ground or being arrogant without strength leads to failure.

This proverb refers to the privilege of living a life of leisure and luxury without manual labor. It suggests that such a comfortable lifestyle is typically reserved for those born into royalty (power/wealth) or those who live off the earnings and influence of someone highly sought after (historically referring to the status of a 'Sani' or courtesan's family members who were often pampered). It is used to describe someone who enjoys benefits without working for them.

This phrase refers to a person who is assigned to watch over a specific corner or a border area. In a broader metaphorical sense, it is often used to describe someone who is protective of their territory or a person who holds a position of oversight in a specific niche or remote area.