If you touch someone with one finger, they'll hit you back with their fist—meaning that even small provocations or disrespect will invite severe retaliation. This proverb warns against initiating conflict, no matter how minor, as responses are often disproportionately harsh.
మన పెద్దల మాటలు
This proverb emphasizes respecting and heeding the advice of elders, as their words are rooted in experience and wisdom accumulated over a lifetime. It conveys the cultural value that following elders' guidance leads to better life outcomes and is a cornerstone of Telugu family and social hierarchies.
పెద్ద బాల శిక్ష
This proverb means that a child who grows up without proper discipline or correction becomes difficult to control later in life. It conveys the wisdom that early intervention and timely guidance are crucial, as bad habits become harder to break once they're ingrained.
శనగలుతిని చేయి కడుగుకొన్నట్లు
Used to describe someone who has washed their hands of a responsibility or distanced themselves from a problematic person/situation, similar to how one would wash their hands after handling chickpeas (sanagalutini). It conveys the idea of trying to appear innocent or unburdened after abandoning an obligation.
ఎవరు తవ్వు కొన్న గోతిలో వారే పడుతారు.
Whoever digs a pit for others will fall into it themselves. This proverb teaches that harmful actions and deception eventually backfire on the perpetrator, emphasizing that one's own schemes become their downfall.
కుక్క కాటుకి చెప్పుధెబ్బ.
This proverb means that for a dog bite, hitting it with a shoe is the appropriate remedy—used to convey that the response should match the nature of the offense or problem. It teaches that sometimes a quick, practical, and proportionate reaction is the right way to handle minor irritations or nuisances.
మంచాల తమకాలకు ఒయ్యారాల నజరానాలన్నట్లు
Just as beggars receive alms according to their condition, good deeds and blessings are distributed proportionally to one's circumstances and deservingness. This proverb teaches that outcomes are matched to individual situations—those in greater need receive more help, and those with better standing receive according to their merit.
