నిద్రపోయేవాడిని లేపవచ్చును కానీ, మేలుకున్న వాడిని లేపలేము.

This proverb describes a situation of extreme foolishness or misplaced priorities. It refers to someone who ignores a genuine necessity (provisions for a long journey to another village) but insists on providing for someone performing a trivial, short-term task (going to the outskirts for nature's call). It is used to mock people who waste resources on unnecessary things while neglecting essential needs.

This proverb highlights that while it is easy to measure or understand physical and material things, it is impossible to truly know or measure a person's inner thoughts, intentions, or character. It is often used to advise caution when trusting people, as their outward appearance may not reflect their hidden motives.

This expression emphasizes that laziness or lack of awareness leads to missed opportunities. It is used to caution someone that if they are inattentive or inactive, they will only benefit from what has already been secured, while further progress or rewards will pass them by.

This expression describes a situation where someone asks for something very small or insignificant from a person who is in a high position, a hurry, or currently engaged in a much larger, grander task. In the past, people chewing betel leaves would need lime (sunnam), and asking someone atop an elephant to stop just for a pinch of lime is considered impractical and foolish.

This proverb warns against relying on verbal promises or superficial assurances regarding material gain or romantic interest. It suggests that people often make empty promises to please others or to get out of a situation, and one should only believe actions rather than words.

This proverb describes a person who pretends to help but actually creates a dangerous situation or aids the enemy. It is used to refer to someone's double-dealing or treacherous behavior where they appear to alert the victim while simultaneously empowering the perpetrator.

This proverb warns against trusting individuals from professions historically associated with manipulation, cruelty, or deception. In this context: the 'writer' (clerk/accountant) could manipulate records, the 'butcher' deals in death/slaughter, and the 'toddy-tapper' could dilute drinks or manipulate measurements. It is generally used to advise caution when dealing with people whose livelihoods depend on cleverness or cold-heartedness.

Put a miller, a weaver, and a tailor in a bag and shake them, the first that comes out will be a thief.

This proverb is a satirical warning against religious hypocrites or fake godmen. It suggests that while the danger of a snake is predictable and can be managed, the deceptive nature and hidden agendas of those pretending to be holy are far more dangerous and difficult to navigate.

This traditional proverb suggests caution when dealing with three specific professions: the writer (clerk/accountant who can manipulate records), the cutter (butcher/barber who handles sharp tools), and the drawer (toddy tapper who climbs trees). It implies that their work involves inherent deceit or physical risk, making absolute trust dangerous.

This is a traditional folk saying (Sameta) that cautions people to be vigilant of their surroundings. Historically, it refers to specific communities known for hunting or guarding skills, suggesting that if they are positioned around you in these specific ways, they might be tracking or ambushing. In a modern context, it serves as a metaphorical warning to be wary of people's positions and intentions in a competitive or unpredictable environment.