నెయ్యి అని తాగకూడదు, నూనె అని తలకు పూసుకోకూడదు.

This expression is used to remind people that no matter how powerful, clever, or skilled they think they are, there is always someone more capable or superior to them. It is a warning against arrogance and a reminder that every expert has a master.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where even the primary guest or the most important person is being neglected or lacks basic hospitality; therefore, those who came along with them should expect even less or nothing at all. It highlights total scarcity or a lack of proper treatment for everyone involved.

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 on social etiquette and common sense. Being the first to bathe (in a public or shared ritual setting) might mean dealing with cold water or unpreparedness, while being last for a 'Sambhavana' (a traditional monetary gift or honorarium) might mean the funds or gifts run out before your turn. It is often used to suggest that one should time their actions wisely to avoid inconvenience or loss.

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 proverb emphasizes the importance of frugality and saving during times of abundance. It suggests that if one manages resources wisely when they are plenty (harvest time), they will not face hardship or hunger during lean periods. It is used to advise someone to plan for the future and avoid wasteful spending.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of caution and due diligence in one's actions. Just as one should inspect a drink for impurities or harmful substances before consuming it, one must thoroughly read and understand any document before signing it to avoid legal or personal trouble. It is a warning against impulsive or blind actions.

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 difficulty of achieving harmony or cooperation among a small group of women compared to a large group of men. It is often used to describe situations where constant bickering or differences in opinion among a few women prevent a consensus or peaceful environment, suggesting that their temperaments or domestic rivalries are harder to reconcile than the collective will of many men.

This expression refers to 'Taravani' (the water drained from cooked rice and fermented overnight), personifying it as a nourishing mother. In Telugu culture, it signifies the humble yet highly nutritious food that sustained poor or rural families, emphasizing simplicity, health, and gratitude for basic sustenance.