వ్యాసప్రోక్తమా, పరాశరప్రోక్తమా?

This expression is used to describe a situation where despite one's best efforts or an early start, progress is hindered and one ends up stuck at the very beginning or a nearby obstacle. It signifies that some tasks take longer than expected regardless of preparation, or that bad luck can stall progress.

This proverb is used to question the nature of a relationship. It asks whether a person is a genuine blood relative (pegu chuttam) who cares out of love, or a 'fair-weather friend' (pettu chuttam) who is only around for financial gain, gifts, or personal benefit. It is often used when someone shows sudden interest in a person's life only when they become wealthy or influential.

A table friend is changeable. (French.)‡ * Vache de loin a lait asses. † Geluk en glas brekt even ras. ‡ Ami de table est variable.

This expression is used when someone encounters strange, illogical, or unfair practices in a specific place or household. It highlights a dilemma where one cannot distinguish whether a bad experience is due to the established rules of the house (tradition) or simply their own bad luck (misfortune).

This expression is used to mock someone who blindly repeats what an authority figure says without understanding the logic or context. It originates from a story where a student agrees with a teacher's statement even when the teacher contradicts himself, highlighting sycophancy or blind obedience.

* Del vero s'adira l'uomo. † Veritas odium perit.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite one's best efforts or an early start, progress is hindered by repetitive obstacles or lack of real advancement. It refers to someone who starts a task early but wastes time or gets stuck at the very first stage, resulting in no significant outcome by the time they expected to be finished.

Tumma is the Acacia Arabica. Tanks are often named from the trees planted around them. The earlier the man got up the more he dilly-dallied on the strength of it, so the sun always found him at the tank, in the way to his work. Early up, and never the nearer.

This expression is used to describe a person who is habitually lazy, slow, or procrastinating. It suggests that such lethargic behavior is an inherent quality of their nature, often used to remark on someone who takes an excessively long time to complete a task or refuses to act quickly.

This proverb is used to point out that someone who lacks character, discipline, or depth cannot understand or appreciate the value of sacred traditions, sacrifices, or high principles. Just as a dog only cares about its next meal and cannot grasp the spiritual purpose of fasting, an ignorant or base person cannot understand noble intentions.

* Una bugia ne tira diect.

This traditional proverb highlights the fragility of social and physical structures. In a historical context, it suggests that a daughter's reputation or marriage could bring immense responsibility or risk to a family's honor, much like how 'Varasapram' (a specific invasive weed or thorny vine) can ruin a garden or backyard if left unchecked. It is used to describe things that require constant care and vigilance.

This proverb is used to point out that even if a situation or a location changes, the fundamental nature of the people involved or their basic needs remain the same. It is often used when someone tries to act as if they are unaware of common habits or rules just because they are in a new setting.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who is incompetent at their designated professional task but very efficient at consuming resources or taking benefits. It highlights the irony of a person who holds a position (like a village clerk/Karanam) but excels only at eating (meta) rather than the actual work of writing (vrata).