నవ్వలేనివారిని నమ్మరాదు

This is a traditional proverb suggesting that certain behaviors might be deceptive or out of character. It implies that a woman who laughs excessively might be hiding her true intentions or lack seriousness, while a man who resorts to tears might be using them as a manipulative tactic rather than expressing genuine grief, as men were traditionally expected to be stoic.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social distrust towards certain professions. It suggests that individuals in roles requiring extreme cunningness or dealing with precious materials (like the village record-keeper and the goldsmith) are inherently deceptive. It implies their deceitful nature remains unchanged until the very end of their lives.

This proverb highlights the harsh reality of social status and poverty. It suggests that a person without wealth or resources is often treated as if they have no place or belonging in the world, emphasizing how society values individuals based on their possessions.

This traditional proverb suggests being cautious of empty promises. It highlights that intentions or verbal commitments regarding a woman's arrival or a man's generosity are often unreliable until they actually manifest. It is used as a cautionary advice against blind faith in words alone.

This proverb emphasizes the virtues of gratitude and hard work. It suggests that a mother's blessing and the rewards of agriculture (cultivating the land) are the most reliable foundations for a successful life. It is used to highlight that devotion to one's parents and an honest living through nature or labor will always provide security and prosperity.

This is a historical folk saying or 'sameta' that warns of unpredictability. The literal comparison suggests that just as the Thumma tree is thorny and difficult to handle, one should be cautious in dealings. Note: Like many caste-based proverbs, this reflects historical social tensions or stereotypes and is used to describe situations where one should remain vigilant against potential deception or hidden 'thorns' in a situation.

This traditional proverb suggests being cautious of people whose emotions seem performative or calculated. It implies that excessive emotional displays—like a man using tears to gain sympathy or a woman using laughter to mask her true intentions—can be signs of deceit or manipulation. It is used to advise someone to look beyond superficial behaviors when judging character.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb expressing a historical bias. It suggests that a leaf-cigar is unreliable because it can extinguish or burn unevenly at any moment, and metaphorically claims that a woman's mind is unpredictable or untrustworthy. It is used to caution someone against relying on things or people perceived as fickle.

This traditional proverb suggests that certain professions are inherently driven by self-interest or deceit. It implies that a goldsmith might skim off a bit of gold from every ornament they make, and a person whose affection is for sale (prostitute) cannot be relied upon for genuine loyalty. It is used as a cautionary saying about where to place one's trust.

This proverb is used to warn someone against trusting individuals who are inherently fickle, mercenary, or lack integrity. It suggests that certain people's promises, no matter how solemn the oath (like touching the head, which is a significant gesture in Indian culture), are unreliable because their loyalty is driven by money or self-interest rather than character.