వేడినీళ్ళకు ముందు, వెట్టిమూటకు వెనుక పోకూడదు.

This expression is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where one is trapped between two equally difficult or dangerous alternatives. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English idiom 'between a rock and a hard place.'

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 expression is used to describe a situation where a person is facing troubles or attacks from all directions simultaneously. It highlights a state of being trapped or victimized by multiple sources of misfortune or betrayal at once.

This proverb advises caution and foresight in two different contexts. In the physical sense, one should check water/liquid before drinking to ensure it is clean. In the context of writing or documentation, one must 'look behind' or review what has been written to check for errors or unintended consequences before finalizing it.

This proverb is used to describe a 'catch-22' or a 'no-win' situation where every available option leads to a negative or unpleasant outcome. It is similar to the English expressions 'between a rock and a hard place' or 'between the devil and the deep blue sea.'

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 lazy or opportunistic person who is always the first to appear when there is a meal or benefit, but the first to hide or stay behind when there is hard work, danger, or a responsibility to fulfill.

This proverb highlights human nature regarding pleasure versus responsibility. It implies that people are usually eager and first in line when it comes to enjoying treats or drinks, but they are hesitant and stay in the background when it comes to work, documentation, or taking official responsibility.

This proverb highlights the disadvantage of procrastination or being late. Those who arrive early get the full portion of a meal (served in pots), while those who arrive late are left with only the leftovers to lick from the vessels. It is used to encourage punctuality and promptness.

This proverb highlights human nature regarding self-interest and survival. It suggests that one should be quick to participate in rewarding or beneficial situations (like a meal) but should be slow or hesitant to volunteer for difficult, unpaid, or heavy manual labor (vetti).