చెడేవాడు చెన్నూగాడు చెడుతుంటే, ఇంకా చారెడు ఎగెయ్యమన్నాడట

This expression means that people do not face ruin or downfall simply because others wish it upon them or speak ill of them. It is used to suggest that ill wishes, curses, or malicious talk from others lack the power to cause real harm to a person's life or destiny.

This proverb describes a situation where many people are ready to criticize one's poverty, struggles, or bad circumstances, but no one is willing to step forward and offer actual financial or material help. It is used to highlight the hypocrisy of society which offers criticism instead of support.

This proverb describes a chain reaction of financial or situational ruin. It illustrates how a delay or a specific failure can affect multiple people in a sequence. In the context of the folk story it originates from, a delay in a wedding or a meal caused the salt and lentils (perishables/goods) to go to waste, but the betel leaf seller suffered the most because those leaves wilt the fastest. It is used to describe situations where one person's misfortune or mistake leads to the downfall of everyone associated with the task.

This is the Telugu version of the famous 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle. It serves as an ethical maxim advising people to lead a virtuous life by avoiding participation in, or exposure to, bad influences, gossip, and negativity.

This traditional proverb suggests that a man gains knowledge, opportunities, and success by going out into the world and networking, whereas staying idle at home leads to his downfall. Conversely, in a traditional social context, it implies that a woman's reputation or domestic stability might be compromised if she wanders aimlessly or neglects her home. It is often used to emphasize the importance of being active for men and the value of discretion or domestic focus for women.

This proverb warns against the dangers of over-indulgence and vanity. It suggests that excessive affection/pampering can ruin a child's character or reputation, just as trying to walk too gracefully or pridefully can lead to an unnatural or awkward gait. It is used to advise moderation in upbringing and behavior.

This proverb is used to describe situations where a lack of unity or a delay in decision-making leads to the downfall of everyone involved. It specifically refers to how salt spoils lentils when mixed too early, but betel leaves, being highly perishable, ruin the fastest and most completely. It serves as a warning against indecision and the compounding nature of losses in a group.

This traditional proverb suggests that a woman's reputation or character may suffer if she spends too much time outside her home (reflecting historical social norms), whereas a man's prospects and knowledge suffer if he stays confined at home and doesn't venture out to explore, network, or work.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity and reliability of agriculture. It suggests that hard work in farming consistently provides a livelihood and never leads to a person's downfall. It is used to encourage people to trust in honest labor and the fertility of the land.

This proverb describes a person who, despite being on the verge of bankruptcy or total ruin, continues to act recklessly and extravagantly. It is used to mock someone who shows false generosity or wastes resources they no longer possess, illustrating that their poor judgment is what led to their downfall in the first place.

Abbaḍu is a familiar term applied to a lad. Hens are ay free o' horse corn. (Scotch.)