వేడి నీళ్ళ పక్కన చన్నీళ్ళు ఉండాలి.

This expression advises extreme caution and patience. It suggests that even when a situation seems safe or simple, one should still act with care and verify everything before proceeding, rather than acting in haste.

There is a pun here on the word చల్లాచుకోని which also means "having cooled." Nothing should be done hastily. Good and quickly seldom meet. Haste trips up its own heels.

This proverb is used to imply that small or insignificant actions cannot cause major damage, or that mild threats/anger cannot destroy strong foundations. It suggests that just because water is hot, it doesn't possess the destructive power of fire.

Applied to lenient or ineffective measures.

This proverb is used to describe a person's inherent nature or limited capacity. It suggests that even if someone is surrounded by immense wealth or opportunities, they will only benefit or behave according to their character, destiny, or petty habits. It highlights that abundance does not change a person's basic traits or their way of life.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a small amount of help or contribution is added to a larger effort. It signifies how even a minor assistance can complement or complete a task, much like how cold water helps bring boiling water to a usable temperature.

This expression is used to describe mutual assistance or small contributions that complement each other. Just as mixing hot and cold water brings them to a comfortable temperature, it signifies how people help one another according to their capacity, or how small favors are returned to maintain balance in relationships.

This expression is used to describe a situation where effort or resources are being completely wasted on something that cannot be salvaged or retained. It refers to a futile action where despite continuous input, there is no result or progress because the foundation is fundamentally flawed or broken.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is restless, indecisive, or constantly on the move. Just as a person drinking water from their hands or a vessel might be in a hurry to finish and move on, it refers to a person who lacks patience or a steady nature.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of patience and careful consideration. It suggests that one should not act in haste even when a task seems simple or already prepared, implying that even the simplest things require a moment of caution to avoid mistakes.

This expression is used to signify that small or insignificant threats/actions cannot cause major destruction or harm. Just as hot water is not hot enough to set a wooden house on fire, minor annoyances or weak attempts at harm cannot destroy something substantial or well-established.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two people or things provide mutual support, even if one's contribution is small. It often refers to a husband and wife or partners helping each other to make life more comfortable and manageable, just as mixing hot and cold water results in a pleasant temperature.