ஆனை வரும் பின்னே, மணி ஓசை வரும் முன்னே
Aanai varum pinnae, mani osai varum munnae
Meaning
The bell around an elephant's neck is heard well before the elephant itself arrives - warning signs always precede big events, for those paying attention.
Story
In a forest-edge village, hearing a distant bell meant it was time to call the children indoors. A newcomer once ignored it and stayed outside. Minutes later a herd of wild elephants passed through - the bell had been the only warning he got.
Reader's Note
Don't dismiss small warning signs - they usually tell you exactly what's coming.