ఉల్లిలేని కూర, పప్పులేని పెళ్ళి.

This proverb is used to describe things or situations that lack stability, safety, or proper structure. Just as a well without a protective wall (ledge) is dangerous to fetch water from, a house without a proper foundation or defined premises is insecure and lacks dignity. It is often used to refer to families or ventures that lack a strong leader or a solid base.

This proverb highlights the essential role of a mother in a child's life. Just as onions are considered a fundamental base that adds flavor and completeness to a dish, a mother's presence is vital for a child's well-being and upbringing. It is used to describe how a home or a child's life feels incomplete or lacks essential care without a mother.

This proverb uses a metaphor to describe instability. Just as a bowl without a rim is difficult to handle and lacks structural integrity, a household or a relationship where a partner lacks discipline or self-control becomes difficult to manage and lead to chaos.

This proverb is used ironically or sarcastically to describe a situation that is incomplete or lacks its fundamental purpose. Just as a woman cannot be a mother without children, a grand event like a wedding is rarely free of some level of worry or responsibility. It implies that certain roles or events naturally come with inherent burdens or characteristics, and without them, the situation is paradoxical or meaningless.

This is a traditional proverb used to express that things lacking their essential quality or purpose are a burden or a waste. Just as tasteless food makes the act of eating from a plate useless, a marriage lacking attraction or compatibility is seen as dysfunctional in this archaic context. It is often used to emphasize that functionality and quality are vital for value.

This expression refers to something that is incomplete, ineffective, or lacks the essential component that gives it value. Just as 'Pulagam' is incomplete without dal and 'Dappalam' (stew) is tasteless without salt, it is used to describe a situation, a person's work, or an event that is pointless or lacks substance.

This proverb highlights the vulnerability and neglect a child might face without a mother's protection. It is used to express that someone without a primary guardian or advocate is often mistreated or exploited by others.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is deeply affected, controlled, or punished by words, social pressure, or psychological influence rather than physical force. It is often used to refer to a verbal reprimand or a situation where a person is bound by their own sense of duty or obligation without any physical constraints.

A sudden and unaccountable calamity.

This proverb is used to emphasize that certain components are absolutely essential for an event or a task to be complete. Just as dal is a staple at a traditional Telugu wedding feast and salt is indispensable for taste in a curry, some things are fundamental requirements that cannot be ignored.

Said to a great friend whose presence at an entertainment is indis- pensable.

This proverb is used to describe a match between two people who are equally lacking or poorly suited in a similar way. It implies that a person gets a partner or an associate who is just as flawed or incomplete as they are, often used in a humorous or satirical context to describe mediocre pairings.