తాడు అని ఎత్తి పారేయకూడదు, పాము అని దాటనూ కూడదు

This proverb suggests that one's fate or destiny is inescapable. Just as a person cannot outrun the malefic influence of the planet Saturn (Shani) by simply moving to a different land, a person's karma or destined hardships will follow them wherever they go. It is used to describe situations where troubles persist regardless of changes in location or circumstances.

This expression describes a state of extreme doubt or a situation that requires immense caution. It is used when a problem or object is ambiguous—where treating it lightly (like a rope) could be dangerous if it's actually a threat, but fearing it excessively (like a snake) prevents progress. It highlights the dilemma of uncertainty.

A very difficult person to deal with.

This proverb advises on social etiquette and common sense. Being the first to bathe (in a public or shared ritual setting) might mean dealing with cold water or unpreparedness, while being last for a 'Sambhavana' (a traditional monetary gift or honorarium) might mean the funds or gifts run out before your turn. It is often used to suggest that one should time their actions wisely to avoid inconvenience or loss.

This proverb advises against being overly greedy or taking undue advantage of someone's kindness or a good situation. Just as pulling a sugarcane plant out by its roots destroys the source of future sweetness, exploiting a person or resource completely will eventually leave you with nothing. It emphasizes the importance of moderation and maintaining boundaries even when something is beneficial.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of caution and due diligence in one's actions. Just as one should inspect a drink for impurities or harmful substances before consuming it, one must thoroughly read and understand any document before signing it to avoid legal or personal trouble. It is a warning against impulsive or blind actions.

This expression is used to describe someone or something that is caught in the middle and is useless for either of two intended purposes. It refers to the preparation of a betel leaf (pan), where one fails to get both the leaf and the areca nut, rendering the effort futile. It is often applied to people who are indecisive or situations that lack clear direction and utility.

This proverb advises caution against trusting individuals whose professions were historically associated with deceit or transactional relationships. In a broader sense, it serves as a warning to be wary of those who might prioritize personal gain or craftiness over honesty in their dealings.

This is a traditional agricultural superstition in Telugu culture. It suggests that starting significant agricultural work, specifically piling haystacks (mandelu), on a Tuesday brings bad luck or fire accidents. It is used to denote cultural taboos and the practice of choosing auspicious days for important tasks.

This expression emphasizes the importance of moderation and appropriateness. It suggests that even good things can be harmful if overused or misused, and one must evaluate the context and quantity before acting, rather than blindly following a label.

This proverb advises against pushing a situation, relationship, or person to their absolute breaking point. It suggests practicing moderation and knowing when to stop before causing irreversible damage or conflict. It is commonly used in the context of negotiations or strict parenting/management.