ఆకు చుట్టను, ఆడదాన్ని నమ్మరాదు

This is a traditional proverb suggesting that certain behaviors might be deceptive or out of character. It implies that a woman who laughs excessively might be hiding her true intentions or lack seriousness, while a man who resorts to tears might be using them as a manipulative tactic rather than expressing genuine grief, as men were traditionally expected to be stoic.

This traditional proverb suggests being cautious of empty promises. It highlights that intentions or verbal commitments regarding a woman's arrival or a man's generosity are often unreliable until they actually manifest. It is used as a cautionary advice against blind faith in words alone.

This is a historical folk saying or 'sameta' that warns of unpredictability. The literal comparison suggests that just as the Thumma tree is thorny and difficult to handle, one should be cautious in dealings. Note: Like many caste-based proverbs, this reflects historical social tensions or stereotypes and is used to describe situations where one should remain vigilant against potential deception or hidden 'thorns' in a situation.

This traditional proverb suggests being cautious of people whose emotions seem performative or calculated. It implies that excessive emotional displays—like a man using tears to gain sympathy or a woman using laughter to mask her true intentions—can be signs of deceit or manipulation. It is used to advise someone to look beyond superficial behaviors when judging character.

This expression is used to signify that a person is not a participant or a victim in a situation, but rather a keen observer. It implies a sense of detachment or superiority, suggesting they cannot be manipulated or made to 'dance' to someone else's tunes, but they are happy to watch the drama unfold.

This proverb warns against relying on verbal promises or superficial assurances regarding material gain or romantic interest. It suggests that people often make empty promises to please others or to get out of a situation, and one should only believe actions rather than words.

This is an old traditional saying based on physiognomy and social stereotypes. It suggests that individuals who possess physical characteristics uncommon to their community (like a very dark-skinned priest or a very fair-skinned laborer) are deviants from the norm and should be approached with caution or suspicion regarding their character.

This expression suggests that a person who lacks warmth, humor, or the ability to smile is often hiding their true nature or may be cold-hearted. It is used as a cautionary piece of advice to be wary of individuals who remain stoic or expressionless, as their intentions may be difficult to gauge.

This proverb warns against trusting individuals from professions historically associated with manipulation, cruelty, or deception. In this context: the 'writer' (clerk/accountant) could manipulate records, the 'butcher' deals in death/slaughter, and the 'toddy-tapper' could dilute drinks or manipulate measurements. It is generally used to advise caution when dealing with people whose livelihoods depend on cleverness or cold-heartedness.

Put a miller, a weaver, and a tailor in a bag and shake them, the first that comes out will be a thief.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is habitually deceitful or manipulative. Historically, 'Karanams' were village officials known for clever record-keeping that often favored themselves. The saying suggests that some people are so inherently untrustworthy or cunning that you should remain cautious of them until your very last breath.