చెరకు అని వేళ్ళతో పెరకకూడదు

This is a humorous observation about practical difficulties. Taking a husband to a wedding might lead to restricted freedom or social awkwardness, while taking children to a crowded pilgrimage or fair (Teertham) is exhausting as the parent spends all their time tending to the children's needs and safety rather than enjoying the event.

This expression describes a state of extreme doubt or a situation that requires immense caution. It is used when a problem or object is ambiguous—where treating it lightly (like a rope) could be dangerous if it's actually a threat, but fearing it excessively (like a snake) prevents progress. It highlights the dilemma of uncertainty.

A very difficult person to deal with.

This proverb is used to warn against taking undue advantage of someone's kindness or a good situation. It implies that even if something is beneficial or a person is generous, there should be a limit to how much you exploit it. Overusing or overstepping boundaries will eventually lead to negative consequences.

Said of a greedy, grasping person. Milk the cow, but don't pull off the udder. (Dutch.) Give him an inch and he'll take an ell. Give a clown your finger and he will take your whole hand.

This proverb emphasizes that it is very easy to start or create something (like a rumor, a conflict, or a plant), but extremely difficult to undo or destroy the consequences later. It highlights the importance of being mindful before initiating an action, as the effort required to fix a mistake is much greater than the effort it took to make it.

This expression advises caution and careful evaluation when dealing with uncertain situations. It suggests that one should neither be negligent (thinking a problem is harmless like a rope) nor reckless (trying to bypass a danger without proper care). It is used to suggest a balanced, vigilant approach when the true nature of a situation is unknown.

This proverb highlights the futility and danger of two specific actions: engaging in heated arguments with wise or powerful elders (which leads to trouble) and attempting to befriend the dead (which is impossible or morbid). It is used to advise someone to respect social hierarchies and focus on the living and the practical.

This traditional proverb highlights the social complexities and ego associated with family dynamics. It suggests that while a friend might help you without judgment during financial ruin or failure, going to a sister's house (where she is a daughter-in-law) might cause her humiliation or lead to a loss of respect for your family in her marital home. It is used to emphasize maintaining dignity within family relations even during hard times.

This proverb advises caution against trusting individuals whose professions were historically associated with deceit or transactional relationships. In a broader sense, it serves as a warning to be wary of those who might prioritize personal gain or craftiness over honesty in their dealings.

This expression emphasizes the importance of moderation and appropriateness. It suggests that even good things can be harmful if overused or misused, and one must evaluate the context and quantity before acting, rather than blindly following a label.

This proverb describes greed or over-exploitation. It is used to caution someone who, out of liking or benefit, tries to consume or exhaust a resource completely without leaving anything for sustenance or the future, eventually ruining the source itself.