తల్లి చేను మేస్తే, పిల్ల గట్టు మేస్తుందా?

This is a traditional weather-related proverb (sameta) used by farmers and rural folk. It suggests that when clouds settle low or hover over the hills and mountain gaps, it is a definitive sign that immediate rainfall is imminent in the local area.

In traditional agriculture, this proverb highlights the strategic value of specific land locations. Land situated at the foot of a hill (konda) or beneath an irrigation sluice (thumu) that is slightly elevated (meraka) is considered ideal because it benefits from water runoff while avoiding the risk of waterlogging or flooding, ensuring good drainage and crop yield.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's passivity or inaction leads to a loss or a missed opportunity. It highlights how being a silent spectator while an issue is unfolding can result in the situation drifting out of control or moving away entirely. It is often used to criticize someone who failed to act when they should have.

This is a popular Telugu proverb emphasizing the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. It suggests that while a mother is the ultimate caretaker, the therapeutic properties of onions are so unique and powerful for the body that they are incomparable. It is used to encourage the consumption of onions for well-being.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the person or entity responsible for protecting something is the one who ends up exploiting or destroying it. It is commonly applied to cases of corruption, breach of trust, or when authorities fail in their duties.

This proverb is used to describe how children often inherit the traits, habits, or characteristics of their parents (similar to 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree'). It suggests that a person's behavior or nature is naturally influenced by their lineage or upbringing.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Like mother, like daughter' or 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree'. It implies that a child (specifically a daughter) will naturally inherit the traits, character, and habits of her mother.

This proverb describes a situation where the person or entity responsible for protection becomes the source of harm. It is used when leaders, authorities, or protectors betray their trust, leaving others helpless because there is no higher authority to appeal to.

This proverb is used to describe how children often follow the example (good or bad) set by their parents. It suggests that if a parent indulges in a certain behavior, it is inevitable that their children will do the same, as they naturally imitate their elders.

* Un bon bailleur en fait bailler deux.

This proverb is used to describe people of high integrity or specific innate nature who will never compromise their core principles or dignity, even when facing extreme hardship or poverty. Just as a tiger's nature is to hunt and not eat grass even if starving, a person of character will not resort to base or unethical actions regardless of the situation.