చూసి గాని తాగకూడదు, చదివి గాని సంతకం పెట్టకూడదు.

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 advises against being overly greedy or taking undue advantage of someone's kindness or a good situation. Just as pulling a sugarcane plant out by its roots destroys the source of future sweetness, exploiting a person or resource completely will eventually leave you with nothing. It emphasizes the importance of moderation and maintaining boundaries even when something is beneficial.

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 advises caution and strategic positioning. Walking in front of someone carrying hot water risks getting splashed if they trip. Walking behind someone carrying a heavy load (vetty) is dangerous because the load might fall backward or the person might suddenly drop it. It teaches one to stay alert to their surroundings and avoid positions where others' accidents can cause them harm.

This is a humorous proverb based on a linguistic misunderstanding. In Telugu, 'కని' (Kani) means 'having seen/found', but it also sounds like 'కాని' (but). Furthermore, the listener confused the word 'Hanuman' with the 'Satani' (the person reading the text). It is used to mock people who misinterpret words due to ignorance or who listen to a discourse without paying proper attention to the subject, focusing instead on irrelevant or phonetically similar words.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of caution and due diligence in everyday life. It advises that one should never consume something without inspecting it first (to ensure it is safe), and one should never sign a document without reading its contents thoroughly to understand the implications.

This proverb is used to criticize hypocrites who ignore their primary responsibilities at home but act like wise leaders or mediators in public affairs. It highlights the irony of someone trying to solve others' problems while failing at their most basic moral duties.

This proverb describes a hypocritical or contradictory behavior where someone pretends to follow a tradition or rule while simultaneously breaking it. In Telugu culture, asking 'Where are you going?' right as someone departs is considered a bad omen (shakunam). This saying mocks people who acknowledge the taboo but proceed to ask the question anyway out of curiosity.

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 a stubborn or negligent person who only learns from painful personal experience rather than foresight or advice. It is used to describe someone who waits for a disaster to happen before taking necessary precautions or changing their ways.