ఉల్లి ముట్టనిదే వాసన రాదు

This proverb describes how authority or influence works in certain situations. It suggests that a person who is intoxicated will sing whatever they like regardless of skill, and similarly, the world follows and applauds the person who is currently successful or in power. It is used to highlight that rules often bend for those who are currently influential or dominating a situation.

This proverb emphasizes that nothing can be achieved without effort. Just as one must crook their finger to scoop butter out of a pot, one must work hard and be resourceful to gain results. It is used to motivate someone who is being lazy or expecting rewards without labor.

This proverb is equivalent to 'There is no smoke without fire.' It suggests that rumors or accusations usually have some basis in truth, or that an effect must have a cause.

If you had not meddled with a bad business you would not have got a bad name. He who touches pitch defiles himself. ( Italian. )*

This expression is used to distinguish between natural, inherent qualities (character or talent) and artificial, acquired, or temporary ones. It emphasizes that true nature (puttu vasana) is permanent, while external influences or pretenses (pettu vasana) are transient.

This expression advises against trusting or forming a deep emotional bond with someone without first evaluating their character, integrity, and the way they speak. It suggests that one's words and reliability are indicators of their true nature, and heart/trust should only be offered after such verification.

This expression is used to describe a person, usually a child, who shows signs of greatness or exceptional talent from a very young age. It implies that inherent qualities and potential are evident right from the beginning, much like a fragrant flower is aromatic from the moment it blooms.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'There is no smoke without fire.' It is used to suggest that every consequence has a cause, or that a person wouldn't be facing trouble or accusations without some underlying reason or action.

This expression is used to imply that every effect has a cause, or that someone wouldn't be in trouble or facing consequences unless they had done something to provoke it. It is similar to the English proverb 'Where there's smoke, there's fire.'

This expression is used to signify that every result has a cause, particularly regarding consequences for one's actions. It implies that a person doesn't get into trouble unless they have done something wrong, or that there is no smoke without fire.

Don't play with the bear if you don't want to be bit. (Italian.)† * Ayer vaquero, hoy caballero. † Non ischersar coll'orso, so non vnuol esser morso.

If one does not make a mistake, the question of punishment does not arise. It is therefore necessary to avoid wrong conduct, in the first place.