'ఆ' అంటే అలిసిపోతుంది, 'ఊ' అంటే ఊపిరిపోతుంది

a ante alisipotundi, u ante upiripotundi

Translation

Saying 'Aa' makes her tired, saying 'Oo' makes her lose her breath.

Meaning

This expression is used to sarcastically describe someone who is extremely lazy, fragile, or prone to making excuses to avoid even the smallest amount of physical or mental effort. It highlights a person's tendency to exaggerate their exhaustion over trivial tasks.

Related Phrases

While the poor woman was gasping for her last breath, the rich woman was being pampered with a water bath.

This proverb describes a situation of extreme injustice or misplaced priorities. It refers to a scenario where someone in desperate, life-threatening need is ignored, while someone who already has everything is given unnecessary extra attention or luxury. It is used to criticize society's tendency to favor the wealthy and ignore the suffering of the needy.

If I give you rice, you will eat it up; if I give you a cloth, it will wear out; but if I brand you, it will last for ever. Said by a stingy person to a beggar.

This proverb is a cynical take on human nature and gratitude. It suggests that acts of kindness, like feeding someone or gifting clothes, are temporary and soon forgotten, whereas a hurt, an insult, or a physical scar (metaphorically represented by a 'brand' or 'burn') is remembered for a lifetime. It is used to describe how people tend to dwell on negative experiences more than positive ones.

If spoken, it becomes a scandal; if not spoken, it becomes a source of contempt.

This proverb describes a 'catch-22' or a dilemma where a person is stuck between two bad options. It is used when pointing out a mistake might lead to public embarrassment or unwanted drama (aaradi), but staying silent might lead others to take one's patience for granted or treat them with disrespect (alusu).

Whichever finger you put in your nose, it fits.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there are multiple options available, and any of them will work equally well. It suggests that since the outcome remains the same regardless of the choice, one doesn't need to overthink or be overly selective.

Karma burns away like a dry leaf

This expression is used to describe the complete and rapid destruction of one's past sins or destiny, often through divine grace, intense penance, or wisdom. Just as a dry leaf (karaku) catches fire instantly and turns to ash, one's burdens or bad luck are said to be annihilated.

The time of the day passes, but the word spoken remains.

This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words compared to the temporary nature of time. While moments pass and hardships are forgotten, a promise made or a hurtful word spoken stays in people's memories forever. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their speech and to honor their commitments.

When told 'The house is burning, Eerraja', he replied 'What do I lose, Sarasaraja?'

This expression is used to describe a person's extreme apathy, lack of responsibility, or detachment from a collective crisis. It highlights a selfish or foolish attitude where an individual fails to realize that they are also affected by a disaster, or simply doesn't care about the consequences of a situation they are part of.

If you sit still and eat, even a mountain will be consumed. If you spend your principal, it will soon disappear, however large.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and earning. It warns that no matter how vast your wealth or resources (like a mountain) are, they will eventually be depleted if you only consume them without producing or earning anything new.

The day may pass by, but the word spoken remains forever.

This expression emphasizes the permanence and power of one's words. While time and moments are fleeting, the promises made or the words spoken (whether kind or hurtful) leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the situation has ended. It is used to advise someone to be mindful of what they say.

Time passes away, but the word remains

This expression emphasizes the permanence and importance of one's promises or speech. While time is fleeting and situations change, the words you speak—especially promises or insults—leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the moment has passed. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their words or to honor their commitments.