తాగితేగాని మొగ్గడు, తడిస్తేగాని కప్పుడు.

This proverb describes people who only learn lessons from experience or hardship rather than acting with foresight. It is used to characterize someone who is stubborn and waits for a problem to occur before taking necessary precautions.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where certain necessary conditions must be met before an outcome—often a negative or inevitable one—can occur. It highlights the logical sequence of events, implying that one cannot experience the consequences of a state (like widowhood) without first entering that state (marriage).

This proverb emphasizes the importance of learning through experience or trial and error. It suggests that one must go through difficulties and practical struggles (getting wet) before successfully completing a task (thatching the hut). It is used to describe someone who has gained wisdom or skill only after facing initial failures.

This proverb describes an extremely stubborn, lazy, or reckless individual who refuses to take necessary actions or precautions until forced by dire circumstances or until a situation becomes unavoidable. It highlights a reactive rather than proactive nature.

This proverb highlights the interdependency of actions or processes. In traditional milking, the cow only releases milk after the calf starts suckling. It is used to signify that certain results cannot be achieved without a specific prerequisite action or a small initial sacrifice/concession.

This proverb is used to illustrate that certain outcomes or actions can only be triggered by a specific, natural catalyst. It often implies that one must offer a small incentive or initiate a process to get the desired result, or that a mother's affection/cooperation is invoked by the presence or needs of her child.

This proverb describes a procrastinator or an irresponsible person who only takes action when faced with extreme necessity or under the influence of something external. It highlights the behavior of someone who lacks foresight and only reacts when forced by circumstances.

This proverb emphasizes that practical experience is essential to truly understand or judge something. Just as you cannot judge a dish without tasting it or know the depth of a pond without stepping into it, you cannot understand the complexities or difficulties of a situation or task until you are personally involved in it.

This expression is used to describe an extreme state of corruption where nothing moves or functions without a bribe. It satirically suggests that even a basic or inanimate object requires a payoff to perform its duty.

This proverb describes a stubborn or negligent person who only learns from painful personal experience rather than foresight or advice. It is used to describe someone who waits for a disaster to happen before taking necessary precautions or changing their ways.