పట్టు పట్టరాదు పట్టి విడువరాదు

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle (See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil). It serves as a moral guideline advising people to avoid listening to gossip or negativity, refrain from witnessing bad deeds, and avoid speaking ill of others or using harsh language.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to rain-bearing nakshatras (lunar mansions). It means that when it rains during the 'Uttara' nakshatra, the harvest will be so bountiful that you must pick up your baskets to collect the yield. Conversely, if it rains during 'Vishakha', the resulting floods or heavy rains might be so severe that one might have to abandon their home. It highlights the impact of specific seasonal rains on farming and livelihood.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of discipline in health and integrity in character. It suggests that just as one must strictly follow a prescribed diet (Pathyam) for physical recovery, one must strictly adhere to the truth for moral well-being. Both are essential for a healthy life.

This proverb warns against unnecessary interference with powerful or exceptionally lucky individuals. Giving hope to a lucky person is futile because their fortune already favors them, and allowing a strong or influential person to gain a foothold in your affairs can lead to them eventually dominating or displacing you.

This proverb emphasizes emotional control and patience. In Telugu culture, 'Graha' refers to planetary influences believed to cause bad luck or hardships. The saying suggests that even when one is facing extreme misfortune or a 'bad phase' (astrologically speaking), they must not lose their temper, as anger only worsens the situation and leads to further ruin.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty, and keeping one's word. It suggests that once you have made a promise (ఆడి) or made a statement (పలికి), you must stand by it and not deviate or lie about it later. It is used to describe a person of high moral character who honors their commitments.

This proverb advises caution in dealings with specific types of people. Giving false hope to someone who lacks discretion or independence (atantrudu) leads to unnecessary trouble or harassment. Similarly, giving a foothold or space to a powerful person can lead to them eventually dominating or displacing you. It is a warning about maintaining boundaries for self-protection.

This expression is used to mock someone who is eagerly waiting for or anticipating something that is still far away, or to describe someone who is overly anxious for a future event. It implies that the person is being impatient about something that will happen in its own time.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of preserving one's fundamental habits, culture, or sources of sustenance even when moving to a new place or facing significant changes. It specifically refers to the hardiness of horse gram (ulavalu), suggesting that one should never give up on the basic principles that provide strength and stability.

This traditional proverb emphasizes the value of persistence and loyalty towards productive resources and hardworking people. Black cotton soil (Regadi) is extremely fertile but difficult to manage, requiring patience to yield great crops. Similarly, the Reddi community, traditionally known as agriculturists, represents hard work and reliability. The saying suggests that once you have a hold of high-quality land or a dependable person, you should never abandon them, as they will eventually bring prosperity.