Innocence
బాలుర దీవెనలు బ్రహ్మ దీవెనలు
balura divenalu brahma divenalu
The blessings of children are the blessings of Lord Brahma.
This proverb highlights the innocence and purity of children. It suggests that since children are free from malice and greed, their words and blessings carry the same weight and divine power as those of the Creator (Lord Brahma). It is often used to emphasize the importance of kindness towards children.
వచ్చీ రాని మాటలు రుచి, వూరీ వూరని వూరుగాయ రుచి.
vachchi rani matalu ruchi, vuri vurani vurugaya ruchi.
The half articulated words [ of children ] are pleasant [ to the ear ] and half pickled vegetables to the taste.
This proverb describes the charm of imperfection or the initial stages of a process. Just as the broken, innocent babbling of a toddler is more delightful to hear than perfect speech, a pickle that is still in the process of marinating (not yet fully fermented) has a unique, appetizing flavor.
బాలవాక్కు బ్రహ్మవాక్కు
balavakku brahmavakku
The word of a child is the word of Brahma
This expression suggests that children are innocent and pure, so their words are as truthful and prophetic as the words of Lord Brahma (the creator). It is used to imply that children often speak the absolute truth without filter or malice.
దోవన పోయేదెవరయ్యా అంటే దొబ్బులుతినే నేనయ్యా అన్నట్లు
dovana poyedevarayya ante dobbulutine nenayya annatlu
When asked who is passing by on the path, someone replies 'It is me, the one who gets scolded'
This expression describes a situation where an innocent bystander or a random person unnecessarily gets involved in trouble or becomes a scapegoat for no fault of their own. It is used to mock one's own misfortune of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
గొర్రె కసాయివాడినే నమ్ముతుంది
gorre kasayivadine nammutundi
A sheep trusts even the butcher.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent or gullible person places their complete trust in someone who intends to harm or exploit them. It highlights the irony of victims being loyal to their oppressors due to ignorance or a lack of awareness.
దొరికిన సొమ్ముకు దొంగ అవుతాడా?
dorikina sommuku donga avutada?
Does a man become a thief by finding property ?
This expression is used to defend someone's character when they find something by chance. It implies that discovering lost property does not make the finder a thief, or more broadly, that one shouldn't be blamed for a situation they didn't intentionally create.
అత్తిపత్తి
attipatti
Touch-me-not plant
Literally referring to the Mimosa pudica plant, this expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, shy, or gets easily offended or hurt by even the slightest comment or touch.
బంగారపు పిచ్చుక
bangarapu pichchuka
A golden sparrow. The Telugu term for the grossbeak ( Loxia Philippina ). Pretty to look at but of no use.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely precious, innocent, or fortunate. It is often used as a term of endearment for children or to refer to someone who brings prosperity and joy, similar to the English 'golden goose' but with a more affectionate and delicate connotation.
నాళ్లల్లోకెల్లా చిన్ననాడే మేలు.
nallallokella chinnanade melu.
Of all times, childhood is the best, or Of all sects, the little sect is the best. Nâdu signifies a sect, it also means time. When Appâji the minister was asked by the king which sect was superior to the others, he cleverly evaded the question, by making a pun on the word.
This proverb expresses nostalgia for the innocence and carefree nature of childhood. It is used to suggest that despite the responsibilities and luxuries of adulthood, the time spent as a child is the happiest and most superior period of one's life.
వేలు చూపించి ఉట్టిది అనిపించుకున్నట్లు
velu chupinchi uttidi anipinchukunnatlu
Pointing the finger and coming off worst.
This expression describes a situation where someone's attempt to help or point something out results in them being wrongly blamed or criticized. It is used when an innocent action leads to an unnecessary negative reputation or misunderstanding.
Said of a man who accuses another without being able to sub- stantiate his allegations.
ఎద్దు ఈనిందంటే గాట కట్టివేయమన్నట్లు
eddu inindante gata kattiveyamannatlu
When someone says the ox has given birth, asking to tie the calf to the stake.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone blindly follows or supports a baseless or illogical statement without thinking. Since oxen are male and cannot give birth, the response of 'tying the calf' shows a lack of common sense and a tendency to jump to conclusions based on hearsay.
నోట్లో వేలుపెడితే కొరకలేడు
notlo velupedite korakaledu
If you put a finger in his mouth, he doesn't even know how to bite it.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely innocent, naive, or harmless. It implies that the person is so simple-minded or gentle that they wouldn't react even if provoked or presented with an obvious opportunity to act.
నేరక నేరక నేరేడు పళ్ళు తినబోతే, నేరాలు ఒడిగట్టినట్లు
neraka neraka neredu pallu tinabote, neralu odigattinatlu
When someone who rarely does anything goes to eat jamun fruits, crimes were pinned on them.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent or inexperienced person tries to do something simple or enjoy a rare treat, but ends up being blamed for something wrong or getting into unexpected trouble. It signifies bad timing or being caught in a streak of misfortune.
నిజము చెప్పేది పసిబిడ్డలు, తప్పతాగినవాళ్ళు
nijamu cheppedi pasibiddalu, tappataginavallu
Those who speak the truth are young children and drunkards
This expression suggests that innocent children and people under the influence of alcohol lack the filters or inhibitions to lie. It is used to imply that truth often comes from the most unlikely or unfiltered sources.
గొర్రెల మందలో తోడేలు పడ్డట్లు
gorrela mandalo todelu paddatlu
Like a wolf entering a flock of sheep
This expression is used to describe a situation where a predator or a dangerous person enters a group of vulnerable, innocent, or defenseless people, causing sudden chaos and destruction. It can also describe a powerful opponent easily overcoming a weak group.
వచ్చీరాని మాట వరహాల మూట.
vachchirani mata varahala muta.
Words that are barely formed are like a bundle of gold coins.
This expression is used to describe the broken or half-formed speech of young children. Just as a bundle of gold (varahalu) is precious, the innocent and stuttering attempts of a child trying to talk are considered delightful, sweet, and invaluable to hear.
మోటువాడికి మొగలి పువ్విస్తే తాంబూలమా అన్నాడట.
motuvadiki mogali puvviste tambulama annadata.
When a rustic man was given a screw pine flower, he asked if it was for chewing like betel leaves.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the sophistication or refinement to appreciate a delicate or valuable gift. It highlights how someone ignorant of a thing's true value or purpose might mistake it for something common or misappropriate its use.
చేటు ఎరుగని చేడె మొగుడికి పెళ్ళి చేసిందట
chetu erugani chede mogudiki pelli chesindata
An innocent woman, unaware of misfortune, arranged a second marriage for her husband.
This proverb describes a situation where someone unknowingly invites trouble or creates their own competition out of sheer innocence or lack of foresight. It is used to mock people who take actions that seem helpful or generous but eventually lead to their own downfall or disadvantage.
చిత్తడి చేల చినుకులు, చిన్నదాని చిందులు
chittadi chela chinukulu, chinnadani chindulu
Raindrops on marshy fields, and the playful antics of a young girl.
This poetic expression draws a parallel between the unpredictability and refreshing nature of rain falling on muddy agricultural fields and the lively, spontaneous, and sometimes erratic behavior of a young girl. It is used to describe things that are natural, lively, and captivating in their own messy or unpredictable way.
ఆవులు ఆవులు పోట్లాడుకొని, లేగదూడలకాళ్ళు విరగగొట్టినట్లు.
avulu avulu potladukoni, legadudalakallu viragagottinatlu.
Like cows fighting with each other and breaking the legs of the calves.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a conflict between two powerful or senior parties results in collateral damage to innocent, smaller, or subordinate people. It highlights how the vulnerable often suffer the consequences of disputes they aren't even involved in.