ముందు వెళ్ళేవాళ్లకు మూకిళ్ళు, వెనుక వెళ్ళేవాళ్లకు నాకిళ్ళు

This expression is used to describe mutual assistance or small contributions that complement each other. Just as mixing hot and cold water brings them to a comfortable temperature, it signifies how people help one another according to their capacity, or how small favors are returned to maintain balance in relationships.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task in a needlessly complicated, roundabout, or illogical manner. It refers to wasting effort on an impossible or unnecessarily difficult way of doing something that should be simple.

This proverb advises caution and foresight in two different contexts. In the physical sense, one should check water/liquid before drinking to ensure it is clean. In the context of writing or documentation, one must 'look behind' or review what has been written to check for errors or unintended consequences before finalizing it.

This expression is used to describe inevitable consequences or natural outcomes that cannot be changed through simple or superficial efforts. It suggests that once a situation has progressed or manifested in a certain way, minor attempts to reverse it are futile.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is only a temporary guest or has a limited, immediate interest in something, and therefore should not worry about long-term or large-scale complexities that do not affect them. It is often a retort to someone who is interfering in matters beyond their scope or stay.

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 proverb describes a situation where a person in charge of distributing resources or food manages to take a portion for themselves first, or benefits the most from the distribution process. It is often used to refer to minor perks or 'leakages' that occur when someone handles wealth or goods.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two people or things provide mutual support, even if one's contribution is small. It often refers to a husband and wife or partners helping each other to make life more comfortable and manageable, just as mixing hot and cold water results in a pleasant temperature.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is so unfortunate or troublesome that they are rejected by everyone, including their own family and even fate. It signifies a state of total abandonment or being an outcast whom nobody wants to take responsibility for.

This proverb describes unfair partiality or double standards. Paradoxically, the 'outsiders' or those one wants to impress are given better treatment (plates), while one's own family or close associates are neglected or given lower priority (leaves), despite their loyalty.