ఎగదీస్తే బ్రహ్మహత్య, దిగదీస్తే గోహత్య

This proverb emphasizes the importance of patience and letting things take their natural course. Just as a fruit needs time on the tree to ripen and will wither if picked too early, certain situations or relationships require time and space to mature. It is used to advise against being impulsive or forceful.

This proverb emphasizes that success is achieved by following the natural, right, and established methods rather than trying to do things in an unnatural or egoistic way. 'Walking with the head' symbolizes arrogance or trying to act contrary to common sense, which leads to failure even in small tasks, whereas humble and proper efforts can take one great distances.

This proverb describes a situation where an unfortunate person is unfairly burdened with an enormous problem or a heavy accusation that they have no capacity to handle or resolve. In traditional contexts, 'Brahmahatya' (killing a Brahmin) was considered the ultimate sin with the heaviest consequences; a poor person facing such a charge would be completely helpless.

This expression emphasizes that just as dietary restrictions (pathyam) are essential for medicine to be effective, honesty and truthfulness are essential for words to have value and credibility. It is used to highlight the importance of integrity in communication.

This proverb describes the stages of detachment or shamelessness. In a spiritual context, it suggests that giving up worldly ego (shame) leads to a sacred state (Srirangam). In a worldly context, it is often used sarcastically to mean that once a person loses their sense of shame or social inhibitions, they can go to any extent, eventually losing their dignity entirely (symbolized by the shaved head of an ascetic or a social outcast).

This proverb emphasizes the importance of using the right approach or tools for a task. It suggests that success comes from following the natural and practical way of doing things, whereas arrogance, overthinking, or using the wrong methods will prevent even the smallest progress.

This is a traditional Telugu saying used to emphasize the gravity of hurting or killing a cat, suggesting it is equivalent to the sin of killing a Brahmin (Brahmahatya Patakam). It is often used to discourage animal cruelty or to mock superstitious beliefs regarding the consequences of accidentally harming a cat.

This expression describes a situation where one's high expectations result in disappointment or failure, often leaving them with nothing but a meager or basic sustenance. It is used when a person's ambitious goals are not met, and they are forced to settle for a very minimal or precarious situation.

This expression describes a classic 'Catch-22' or a 'double-bind' situation where any choice one makes leads to a disastrous or sinful outcome. It is used when a person is stuck between two equally bad alternatives and there is no way to act without causing harm or committing a mistake.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where once a person is fully committed to a difficult or risky task, they no longer worry about small setbacks or inconveniences. It is similar to the idea that once you are in deep trouble, minor additional problems don't matter anymore, or 'over head, over ears.'