పెట్టనమ్మ పెట్టదు గానీ, పెట్టే అమ్మను పెట్టనివ్వదు.

This proverb highlights that one can only exercise authority or manage affairs if they possess the necessary resources or capital. In an agricultural context, it means without seeds to sow, there is no farm to manage; in a broader sense, it implies that financial stability is the foundation of influence and leadership.

This traditional Telugu saying emphasizes that even a simple common cold should not be taken lightly. It implies that a cold can cause as much physical discomfort, weakness, and irritation as ten different ailments combined, or that it can be the starting point for many other health complications.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone prioritizes an outsider or a distant relative over their own family, only to end up losing everything. It highlights the folly of misplaced priorities and the resulting regret when a primary responsibility is neglected for a secondary one.

This expression is used to highlight that charity or hospitality should be done out of genuine kindness rather than for spiritual rewards or out of fear of sin. It suggests that one's character and overall actions matter more than a single act of giving or refusing. It is often used to tell someone not to be too proud of their charity or too judgmental of others' lack thereof.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and self-advocacy. It suggests that even the most caring person might not fulfill your needs if you don't express them, implying that one must speak up or ask for what they want to achieve their goals.

This proverb is used to emphasize that one must voice their needs or desires to get help, even from those who care most about them. It highlights the importance of communication and taking initiative rather than expecting others to automatically understand one's requirements.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is already receiving a generous favor or benefit for free, but they greedily or foolishly ask for even more, potentially offending the benefactor or pushing their luck too far. It highlights the lack of gratitude and the tendency to take kindness for granted.

This proverb highlights the difference between verbal devotion and practical action. While it is easy to pray or speak words of devotion (chanting Govinda), it requires real effort, sacrifice, and resources to actually help or provide for someone in need (the pilgrim/Dasari). It is used to point out people who prefer making empty gestures over doing real service.

This is a popular Telugu proverb used to express faith in divine providence or nature. It implies that the creator who gave life to a creature will also provide the necessary means for its sustenance. It is often said to reassure someone who is worried about their future or survival, suggesting that basic needs will inevitably be met.

This proverb describes someone who is extremely stubborn or lazy. It refers to a person who will not perform a necessary task or change their behavior until they are scolded, punished, or forced by authority. It is used in contexts where discipline is the only way to get a result.