పైతళ్ళుక్కయితే పడరాని పాట్లు పడవచ్చునుగాని, మొగం ముడతలు పడితే చేసే దేమున్నది

This proverb highlights the historical fear and unpredictability of government authority and bureaucracy. It suggests that while a wild animal is a known danger, the complications, legal troubles, and harassment one might face from officials or the state can be far more ruinous and difficult to escape.

This proverb highlights that financial debt is easier to manage or tolerate than enduring insults or hurtful, rotten speech. It emphasizes that emotional damage caused by words is often more painful and harder to stomach than material or financial hardship. It is used to caution against using abusive language or to express how unbearable disrespect is.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is excessive, chaotic, or nonsensical noise where it is difficult to distinguish who is speaking or what is being said. It often refers to a group of people all talking or shouting at once, creating a cacophony where no clear meaning can be derived, much like the rhythmic but loud thumping of wooden tools.

This proverb highlights the unpredictable and potentially destructive nature of bureaucracy and state power in ancient times. It suggests that while a tiger is a known physical danger, the legal or political entanglements with authorities (royalty/government) can be more complex, lingering, and ruinous to a person's life.

This expression is used to describe someone who is far more troublesome, persistent, or harmful than even the dreaded astrological period of Shani (Sade Sati). It is often said by a person asserting their dominance or capability to cause long-lasting trouble, or to describe a person who never lets go once they start bothering someone.

This is a traditional saying used to describe how certain people or animals can be easily led or controlled if given the right incentive or restraint at the right time. It suggests that once a connection or bond (symbolized by the 'palupu' or halter) is established, they will follow along. It is often used in a humorous or colloquial context regarding the behavior of youth.

This is a traditional, albeit misogynistic, Telugu proverb used to caution against placing absolute trust in a woman's intentions or loyalty. It suggests that even the most dangerous creature (a snake) is more predictable than the nature of a woman. It is often cited in old literature or dramatic contexts to warn about betrayal.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is coaxed or dared into speaking, but once they start, they speak excessively or reveal too much. It suggests that once a silence is broken or a person is provoked to talk, there is no stopping the flow of words or the resulting consequences.

This proverb highlights the danger of untrustworthy and treacherous people. While a powerful person might be intimidating, their actions are often predictable or manageable. However, a 'naalimuchu' (a double-dealer or a person with a hidden agenda) is far more dangerous because their betrayal comes from within the home, making it impossible to find peace or safety.

This traditional proverb suggests that while a large number of men (symbolized by 'shikha' or tufts) can work together or live in harmony, even a small number of women (symbolized by 'koppu' or hair buns) often find it difficult to coexist without conflict or disagreements. It is typically used to remark on domestic friction or the perceived difficulty of managing multiple women in a single household.