పగలు దాని గుణం చూచి, రాత్రి దాని వెంట వెళ్ళాలి

pagalu dani gunam chuchi, ratri dani venta vellali

Translation

Observe its nature during the day, and follow it at night.

Meaning

This proverb advises that one should thoroughly understand the character, behavior, or risks associated with a person or a situation in clear light (safety) before committing to or trusting them in difficult or uncertain times (darkness). It emphasizes the importance of due diligence and caution before taking a leap of faith.

Related Phrases

A good person's character is revealed when they are cheated, and a truthful person's character is revealed at the time of death.

This proverb explains that true nature is tested during adversity. A truly good person remains virtuous even when betrayed or faced with deceit, and a person committed to truth remains honest even when facing life-threatening situations. It is used to emphasize that integrity is not what one shows in comfort, but what one maintains under pressure.

If the night's darkness goes, the day's light comes.

This is an optimistic proverb used to encourage people during difficult times. It signifies that hardships (darkness) are temporary and will eventually be followed by better, successful days (light). It is similar to the English expression 'Every cloud has a silver lining' or 'This too shall pass.'

Seeing the husband is a waste, seeing the lover is a festival.

This is a bold, satirical proverb used to describe a person who neglects their duties or legitimate relationships (like a husband) in favor of forbidden or exciting external attractions (like a lover). It is used to mock people who find no value in the things they already possess but are overjoyed by things that are fleeting or improper.

As if what you see during the day appears in your dreams at night

This expression refers to things that leave such a strong impression on the mind that they continue to haunt or reappear in thoughts. It is used to describe someone who is obsessed with a particular thought or a traumatic/intense event that they cannot stop thinking about even when asleep.

Everyone who sees a deer claims to be a hunter.

This proverb is used to describe people who boast about their skills or claim credit for something just by being present or witnessing an event. It highlights that observing a situation doesn't make one an expert or a participant in the actual hard work required for success.

He calls her a mother in the day time and a wife at night. An unprincipled rascal.

This expression is used to describe an extremely fickle, opportunistic, or shameless person who changes their stance or behavior toward someone based on their needs or the time of day. It highlights hypocrisy or a lack of moral consistency in relationships or situations.

A blouse is an obstacle for the child during the day and an obstacle for the husband at night.

This is a traditional Telugu riddle (podupu katha) where the answer is a 'blouse' (ravika). It describes the function of the garment: during the day, it acts as a barrier for a breastfeeding child, and at night, it is an garment that needs to be removed for intimacy with the husband.

When you speak in the day time, look around ; at night don't speak at all. ( Hills see, walls hear. ( Spanish. ) )

This proverb warns about the importance of secrecy and caution when discussing sensitive matters. It suggests that even in daylight, one must check their surroundings for eavesdroppers, but at night, when sounds travel further and silence is unpredictable, it is better to remain completely silent to avoid being overheard.

Daytime presbyopia, nighttime night blindness.

This expression describes a person who is completely helpless or makes excuses in every situation. Just as someone who cannot see during the day due to long-sightedness and cannot see at night due to night blindness, it refers to a state of total inability or constant complaining regardless of the circumstances.

Night blindness in the day time, running about at night.

This expression is used to describe a person who is lazy or procrastinates during the productive hours (daytime) but rushes frantically at the last minute or during inappropriate times (nighttime) to finish the task. It mocks poor time management and inefficiency.