అదృష్టవంతునికి ఆశపెట్టరాదు, బలవంతునికి చోటివ్వరాదు.

This traditional proverb suggests that certain transactions or relationships can lead to constant interference or trouble. If you give a bull to a relative, every time it falls sick or underperforms, they may complain to you. Similarly, if you marry off a daughter to a family in the same or nearby village, every small domestic dispute or issue may reach your ears immediately, leading to constant involvement and lack of peace.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle (See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil). It serves as a moral guideline advising people to avoid listening to gossip or negativity, refrain from witnessing bad deeds, and avoid speaking ill of others or using harsh language.

This proverb highlights the importance of boundary-setting and the futility of offering unwanted help or interference. It suggests that someone who has already experienced a situation (like a widower) or is self-sufficient (like one who cooks) does not need unsolicited advice or assistance that might complicate their current state of peace or routine.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty, and keeping one's word. It suggests that once you have made a promise (ఆడి) or made a statement (పలికి), you must stand by it and not deviate or lie about it later. It is used to describe a person of high moral character who honors their commitments.

This proverb teaches emotional stability and equanimity. It suggests that one should not become arrogant or overly excited when they possess wealth (success), nor should they become deeply depressed or lose hope during times of scarcity (failure). It encourages maintaining a balanced state of mind regardless of life's ups and downs.

This proverb advises caution in dealings with specific types of people. Giving false hope to someone who lacks discretion or independence (atantrudu) leads to unnecessary trouble or harassment. Similarly, giving a foothold or space to a powerful person can lead to them eventually dominating or displacing you. It is a warning about maintaining boundaries for self-protection.

This proverb advises caution in social and financial dealings. If you make a promise to a poor person and fail to keep it, their despair may lead to bitterness or social shame for you. Conversely, if you give a wealthy or powerful person space (or a foothold in your affairs/property), they may use their influence to eventually usurp or dominate you.

This is a regional proverb from the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Historically, Penugonda was a high-altitude area with severe water scarcity, making domestic chores difficult for women, while Roddam had rocky, hard terrain that was exhausting for cattle to plow. It is used to advise against entering into alliances or situations where the physical conditions are too harsh to endure.

This proverb emphasizes commitment and perseverance. It suggests that one should be careful and selective before committing to a task or a goal, but once a decision is made or a responsibility is taken, one should see it through to the end without giving up.

This proverb emphasizes that it is better to serve a noble or powerful person than to be intimately associated with someone of poor character or low status. It suggests that even a subordinate role under a virtuous or strong leader offers more dignity and security than a higher-ranking position with a base or wicked individual.